Crossword Genius

As held up by a shady individual? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

parasol

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

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

'as held up by a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'as' could be 'so' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'so' is located in the answer.
'a' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for parasol that I've seen before include "mushroom" , "Light umbrella giving shade from sun" , "aeroplane" , "protection from the rays" , "It's put up to provide shade" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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