Crossword Genius

Make confused after smashing desk? Dash off! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

skedaddle

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

'dash off' is the definition.
'skedaddle' can be an answer for 'dash' (thesaurus). I'm unsure of the 'off' bit.

'make confused after smashing desk?' is the wordplay.
'make confused' becomes 'addle' (to addle is to confuse or baffle).
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'smashing' is an anagram indicator.
'desk' with letters rearranged gives 'sked'.
'addle' put after 'sked' is 'SKEDADDLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for skedaddle that I've seen before include "Vamoose" , "fly" , "Rush away" , "Scarper" , "In slang, go away quickly, scoot" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app