Crossword Genius

Scent Oscar is wearing, it could choke you (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noose

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

'it could choke you' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'scent oscar is wearing' is the wordplay.
'scent' becomes 'nose' (nose can mean the scent of a wine).
'oscar' becomes 'O' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'is wearing' is an insertion indicator.
'nose' placed around 'o' is 'NOOSE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noose that I've seen before include "Loop in a rope made with a slip knot" , "Loop with running knot" , "Loop in rope that tightens when pulled" , "Device for capital punishment" , "Hangman's or cowboy's loop" .)

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