What does the cryptic crossword clue "Failing this foundation in Mineralogy; gaining a place for Economics (2,4)" mean?

The definition is "Failing". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ORE (synonym="‘foundation in mineralogy’") + LSE (synonym="London School of Economics, ‘place for Economics’") = ORELSE The answer is ORELSE.

Failing this foundation in Mineralogy; gaining a place for Economics (2,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29431 | 21 Down | 2024-07-10 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →