Crossword Genius

A sheepish expression? (5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

3

5
I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'expression' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'a sheepish' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ba' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for baa that I've seen before include "to Heathrow, the operators" , "Sound from a ewe" , "not quite consistent set of good A-level results?" , "Statement from those flocking" , "Sound of a lamb" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app