Crossword Genius

Way to enter a university that is handed to you on a plate (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gateau

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

'you on a plate' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'way to enter a university that is handed' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'way' could be 'gate' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'gate' is found within the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
'university' could be 'u' (abbreviation for university) and 'u' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gateau that I've seen before include "Calorie-laden cake" , "It's sweet" , "named for Black Forest?" , "Cake (from the Black Forest?)" , "(French?) cake" .)

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