Crossword Genius

Run down lair with one fireplace (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

denigrate

'run down' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'lair with one fireplace' is the wordplay.
'lair' becomes 'den' (synonyms).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'one' becomes 'I' (Roman numeral).
'fireplace' becomes 'grate' (grate can mean a fireplace).
'den'+'i'+'grate'='DENIGRATE'

(Other definitions for denigrate that I've seen before include "Bad-mouth" , "Blacken" , "Disparage" , "Unfairly criticise" , "Defame" .)

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.