Crossword Genius

Woodlouse who works on the roof? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

slater

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'woodlouse' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'works on the roof?' is the wordplay.
'works' becomes 'r' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'the roof?' becomes 'slate' (slate roof is a kind of roof).
'r' after 'slate' is 'SLATER'.

'who' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for slater that I've seen before include "Man on top" , "Craftsman" , "Roof-worker" , "Does one abuse" , "Professional roof worker" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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