Apologies if this is off-topic for this forum, but could somebody help come up with wordplay for the letters COUNT?
I'm writing a clue with an extremely limited total length, where the letters COUNT are part of the solution. I have elements for the rest that I'm happy with, but they only leave 9 letters (not including spaces) for COUNT.
One way would be to just use a synonym for count (e.g. noble, peer), but if there are others I'd prefer to use them.
My best attempt so far is "firm nut off", which unfortunately is one letter too long.
Any suggestions?