Telegraph Crossword Book Cryptic

[rayjack]

Member to keep Brussels in place 5,3 S?A?R/?O?

[bookbinder]

stair rod

[saladdodger]

stair rod ?

[rayjack]

I have the answer as STAIR ROD but can’t work out the reasoning

[Mamyalynne]

Brussels carpet
/ˈbrʌs(ə)lz/Submit
noun
a carpet with a heavy woollen pile and a strong linen back.

[saladdodger]

brussels can be a carpet

[dannyk13]

Stair rod

[herbage]

brussels stairs are a type of stairs

[herbage]

Which may be wrong now the other answers have appeared

[Mamyalynne]

Usually the carpet the rod keeps in place.

[rayjack]

Thanks to all. I’ve been doing Telegraph cryptics for probably 50 years and have never come across that one! (Brussels = Carpet)

[rayjack]

Where does the ROD come from, Other than the fact that Black Rod is a member of parliament?

[bookbinder]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stair_rod

[rayjack]

Thanks for the definition Bookbinder, I know what a stair rod is, but where is the connection to "member" in the clue?

[Mamyalynne]

There's a couple of ways to look at it - we'll presume the setter hasn't gone the more vulgar use of 'Rod = Member'.

A stair rod could be considered a cross member or it's a simple play on words.

Black Rod keeps MPs in order.

Stair rod keeps Brussels (Carpet) in order.

[rayjack]

Thanks again to all. I’m amazed that you are all there waiting to help!