What does the cryptic crossword clue "Stalks over the floor in a hurry, cutting friend short (4,3)" mean?

The definition is "Stalks over the floor". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. RUSH (synonym of "hurry,") + MATE (synonym of "friend") [deletion: "cutting"]; definition: "Stalks over the floor" The answer is RUSHMAT.

Stalks over the floor in a hurry, cutting friend short (4,3)

Guardian Cryptic #28999 | 7 Down | 2023-02-21 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →