What does the cryptic crossword clue "Lout beginning to cause mayhem when officer leaves (4)" mean?

The definition is "Lout". The wordplay uses a deletion. C (synonym="beginning to cause") + HAV (synonym="OC") = CHAV; definition: "Lout" The answer is CHAV.

Lout beginning to cause mayhem when officer leaves (4)

Times Cryptic #27897 | 23 Across | 2021-02-10 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Times's puzzle site →