Crossword Genius

About to follow old German monster (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ogre

'monster' is the definition.
('ogre' can be a synonym of 'monster')

'about to follow old german' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 're' (regarding**).
'to follow' says to put letters next to each other.
'old' becomes 'o' (common abbreviation eg in OE for Old English).
'german' becomes 'g' (abbreviation).
'o'+'g'='og'
're' put after 'og' is 'OGRE'.

(Other definitions for ogre that I've seen before include "One making giant strides" , "Giant of folklore who liked to eat humans" , "Jack's giant perhaps" , "'Demon, fiend (4)'" , "character in 'Puss in Boots'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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