The clue in question is
Labour leader entering into deal upset one in 10? (5)
I have solved this via the wordplay but I don’t see how the definition applies.
The answer is 'ladle' (L in (DEAL)) but I don’t get how ‘one in 10?’ defines ladle.
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Sign up to join this communityThe clue in question is
Labour leader entering into deal upset one in 10? (5)
I have solved this via the wordplay but I don’t see how the definition applies.
The answer is 'ladle' (L in (DEAL)) but I don’t get how ‘one in 10?’ defines ladle.
I believe you have a situation here where this answer is entirely dependent on the crossword in which it was set - specifically, upon the answer to Clue 10 in the same puzzle, the answer to which is intended to be substituted in to this clue to form part of the wordplay.
A search online suggests that this clue was set as part of the Independent's cryptic crossword on 9 February 2019 (#10086 by Serpent). In this crossword, clue 10A was clued by:
- Setter catching right bus having lost case for cheap fare (5)
The answer here is GRUEL (cheap fare), from GEL (setter) containing R (right) and _U_ ('BUS' without its 'case' i.e. first and last letters).
Now your clue (23A in the same crossword) makes perfect sense, as 'one in gruel?' would be an acceptable definition for a LADLE, perfectly complementing the wordplay you have already found!