Crossword Genius

Worry a number offend, but there's nothing in it (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tension

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'worry' is the definition.
(both can mean stress or unease)

'a number offend but there's nothing in it' is the wordplay.
'a number' becomes 'ten' (ten is a number).
'offend but' becomes 'sin' (sin can mean to commit an offence. I am not sure about the 'but' bit.).
'there's nothing' becomes 'o' (I've seen this in other clues).
'in it' indicates putting letters inside.
'sin' enclosing 'o' is 'sion'.
'ten'+'sion'='TENSION'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tension that I've seen before include "Assay" , "Stretched, uneasy, condition" , "Stress, tautness" , "Strained condition" , "Stretched state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app