Crossword Genius

Bad luck, using criminal circles (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoodoo

'bad luck' is the definition.
(type of jinx or bad luck)

'criminal circles' is the wordplay.
'criminal' becomes 'hood' (hood is a kind of criminal).
'circles' becomes 'oo' (resembles two O's).
'hood'+'oo'='HOODOO'

'using' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for hoodoo that I've seen before include "Bringer of bad luck" , "Thing or person thought to bring bad luck" , "Spells" , "Fetish - charm with magical powers" , "Thing or person that brings bad luck" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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