Crossword Genius

Celebration when a prisoner returns (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gala

'celebration' is the definition.
(gala is a kind of celebration)

'a prisoner returns' is the wordplay.
'prisoner' becomes 'lag' (I've seen this before).
'returns' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'a'+'lag'='alag'
'alag' back-to-front is 'GALA'.

'when' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for gala that I've seen before include "Fête" , "Carnival, fete" , "Festive celebration" , "Special social or sporting occasion" , "Special performance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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