Crossword Genius

Attacks when one throws the switch (5,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

turns on

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

'throws the switch' is the definition.
'turns on' can be an answer for 'throws' (turning on is a kind of throwing). I'm not sure about the 'the switch' bit.

'attacks when one' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'when' could be 'on' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'on' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'turns' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for turns on that I've seen is " Lays into".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app