Crossword Genius

Fool about to produce gunpowder ingredient (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nitre

'gunpowder ingredient' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fool about' is the wordplay.
'fool' becomes 'nit' (I've seen this before).
'about' becomes 're' (regarding**).
'nit'+'re'='NITRE'

'to produce' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for nitre that I've seen before include "explosive producer?" , "found in a slow match?" , "food preservative" , "explosive ingredient" , "Inert (anag) - saltpetre" .)

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