Crossword Genius

Criticise sleep on return (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pan

'criticise' is the definition.
(informal term meaning to criticise heavily)

'sleep on return' is the wordplay.
'sleep' becomes 'nap' (I've seen this before).
'on return' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'nap' written backwards gives 'PAN'.

(Other definitions for pan that I've seen before include "Peter . . ., Barrie's immortal boy" , "hollow in ground" , "boil vegetables in this" , "Sweep" , "Toilet bowl" .)

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