Crossword Genius

Withdrawn train cut for engineering work? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taciturn

'withdrawn' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'train cut for engineering work?' is the wordplay.
'for engineering work?' indicates anagramming the letters.
'train'+'cut'='traincut'
'traincut' is an anagram of 'TACITURN'.

(Other definitions for taciturn that I've seen before include "Reticent" , "Disinclined to speak" , "Reserved and uncommunicative" , "Aloof" , "Tending to silence" .)

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