Crossword Genius

Change roles with no-hoper (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loser

'no-hoper' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'change roles' is the wordplay.
'change' indicates anagramming the letters.
'roles' with letters rearranged gives 'LOSER'.

'with' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for loser that I've seen before include "One who is always a failure" , "Winner's opponent" , "Non-achiever" , "Unsuccessful competitor" , "Defeated contestant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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