Crossword Genius

Cautious — vet one’s vicar? Strange! (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

conservative

'cautious' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'vet one's vicar? strange' is the wordplay.
'strange' indicates an anagram.
'vet'+'ones'+'vicar'='vetonesvicar'
'vetonesvicar' with letters rearranged gives 'CONSERVATIVE'.

(Other definitions for conservative that I've seen before include "Moderate" , "right-wing?" , "True blue" , "politician" , "square" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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