Crossword Genius

A young woman has had bottom pinched, sadly (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alas

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

'sadly' is the definition.
('alas' is used to express regret)

'a young woman has had bottom pinched' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'las' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alas that I've seen before include "Archaic exclamation of sorrow or regret" , "-- and alack!" , "Cry of regret" , "Exclamation of misfortune" , "Antipodean island state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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