Crossword Genius

Student into whipped paste and rice? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

staple

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'rice?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'student into whipped paste' is the wordplay.
'student' becomes 'L' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'whipped' indicates anagramming the letters.
'paste' is an anagram of 'stape'.
'l' inserted within 'stape' is 'STAPLE'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for staple that I've seen before include "means of keeping papers together" , "Main - way to fasten paper" , "office item" , "Main element" , "Paper fastening" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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