Crossword Genius

Annoy a novice with something prickly (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

teasel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'something prickly' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'annoy a novice' is the wordplay.
'annoy' becomes 'tease' (I've seen this in another clue).
'a novice' becomes 'L' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'tease'+'l'='TEASEL'

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for teasel that I've seen before include "Plant with prickly flower heads" , "Plant with spiny purple flower heads" , "Eel sat up on the plant" , "Elates with nap-brushing device" , "Sat eel up on the herb" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.