Crossword Genius

Would the gun inside tend to go off if stepped on? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trodden

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'stepped on?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'would the gun inside tend to go off' is the wordplay.
'would the gun' becomes 'rod' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'inside' is an insertion indicator.
'to go off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tend' with letters rearranged gives 'tden'.
'rod' placed inside 'tden' is 'TRODDEN'.

'if' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trodden that I've seen before include "Footpaths are" , "Trampled" , "Oppressed" , "Crushed underfoot" , "Crushed under the feet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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