Crossword Genius

Inanimate, but it’s heard to croak at us (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crocus

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

'inanimate but it's heard' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'croak at us' is the wordplay.
'croak at' becomes 'croc' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'croc'+'us'='CROCUS'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crocus that I've seen before include "Flower from which saffron is harvested" , "Small pretty spring flower, yellow or white" , "Yellow, purple or white spring flower" , "Plant from a corm" , "Occurs (anagram)" .)

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