Crossword Genius

Report composed ought to include partners in play (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gunshot

'report' is the definition.
(report can mean the sound of a gunshot)

'composed ought to include partners in play' is the wordplay.
'composed' is an anagram indicator.
'to include' is an insertion indicator.
'partners in play' becomes 'NS' (in bridge, players are named after compass points).
'ought' with letters rearranged gives 'guhot'.
'guhot' enclosing 'ns' is 'GUNSHOT'.

(Other definitions for gunshot that I've seen before include "Range of a specific weapon" , "Crack" , "Fire" , "Noughts (anag)" , "Source of report" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.