Crossword Genius

Ribs and bone from mysterious monster (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

torments

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

'ribs' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't see how they can define each other.

'bone from mysterious monster' is the wordplay.
'bone' becomes 't' (I've seen this in other clues).
'from' says to put letters next to each other.
'mysterious' indicates an anagram.
'monster' anagrammed gives 'orments'.
't'+'orments'='TORMENTS'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for torments that I've seen before include "Plagues" , "Distresses" , "Treats cruelly" , "Agonies, anguishes" , "Sortment of abuses" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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