What does the cryptic crossword clue "Lug home payment to secure contract (7)" mean?

The definition is "EARNEST". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). EAR (synonym="”Lug”") + NEST (synonym="”home”") = EARNEST; definition: "EARNEST" The answer is EARNEST.

Lug home payment to secure contract (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29517 | 7 Down | 2024-10-18 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →