Crossword Genius

Learner breaks sports equipment like this? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clue

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

'this?' is the definition.
(the clue referring to itself!)

'learner breaks sports equipment' is the wordplay.
'learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'breaks' is an insertion indicator.
'sports equipment' becomes 'cue' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'l' placed into 'cue' is 'CLUE'.

'like' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clue that I've seen before include "Crossword aid" , "Evidence that helps to solve a problem" , "Hint to help the solver" , "Pointer" , "Luce (anag.)" .)

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