Crossword Genius

Blow caught ruffian (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clout

'blow' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'caught ruffian' is the wordplay.
'caught' becomes 'c' (cricket abbreviation).
'ruffian' becomes 'lout' (I've seen this before).
'c'+'lout'='CLOUT'

(Other definitions for clout that I've seen before include "Cast not one before May is out" , "Cuff" , "Political influence - flat-headed nail" , "A blow; powerful influence" , "Sock" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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