yeah, it was a cryptic crossword, one of my favourite setters as well. I'm disappointed with the answer though, glad to have it but not what I expect from a cryptic crossword. In my view a cryptic clue should be possible to deduce using standardised ( even only to each setter) rules and without actually having to know the word or phrase. The thing I like about cryptic crosswords is that usually when you get a clue you absolutely know it is right because each part adds up to only one possible conclusion, as opposed to quick crosswords where several synonyms are often possible and you can tell which one is right by fitting them into the grid.