Daily mail Cryptic

[Christiana]

Have been sent an interesting dilemma from a friend. The clue is: 21d Long John Silver had one to grab, changing sides (6) The letters in the word are c - u - c -, so it is either "clutch" (to grab) or "crutch" (LJS had one). Changing sides could be L to R or R to L. (Left to right or right to left) In other words is the definition the first or second part of the clue?

[Christiana]

Should have said I favour 'crutch'

[GetOverIt]

The definition should be at one end of the clue - as John John Silver has one is.

For the answer to be CLUTCH , grab should be at one end of the clue, not in the middle.

[GetOverIt]

Sorry - Long John Silver

[Christiana]

Thanks, Getoverit - had arrived at that conclusion after I posted, but glad to have confirmation.

[Aquagility]

I think this is clutch. Crutch with R changed to L (changing sides).

[ddon]

No it's l changed to r. LJS had one - crutch

[GetOverIt]

Surely that would mean, the clue broke down to

clue1 DEFINITION clue2 ( relating to first clue) - Isn't that non Ximenean ?

[beerbelly]

If my opinion counts for anything ...............
Definately crutch . !!

[kettledrum]

I agree with GetOverIt - it is definitely CRUTCH.

Long John Silver had one ......a crutch
to grab, changing sides...........clutch >>>crutch