1 across
Quins
getting
slaughtered
reportedly
in
this
game
format
(4,1,4)
Quins getting slaughtered reportedly in this game format (4,1,4)
hints
0
checks
0
hints
The definition is at the end of the clue.
How the clue works
The whole thing is a charade. game format is what we're after — FIVE A SIDE. Quins (quintuplets) gives FIVE, then A, and 'getting slaughtered reportedly' is a homophone nudge: SIDE sounds like the combining form '-cide' meaning killing (as in insecticide). Cheekily, the surface also nods to the Harlequins rugby side.