Crossword Genius

Selectively arranges some of the cloth? Doesn't sound like it (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

curates

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

'selectively arranges some' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'the cloth? doesn't sound like it' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is found in the answer.
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found in the answer.
'like' could be 'as' and 'as' is found in the leftover letters.
The remaining letters 'cur' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for curates that I've seen before include "clerical workers" , "Members of the clergy" , "Vicars' seconds" , "Clerics" , "Servicemen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.