Crossword Genius

Clash with a queen (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

war

'clash' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'with a queen' is the wordplay.
'with' becomes 'w' (abbreviation).
'queen' becomes 'r' (r is abbreviation regina. e.g. in ER ).
'w'+'a'+'r'='WAR'

(Other definitions for war that I've seen before include "State of armed conflict" , "Battle" , "Period of hostilities" , "Fight" , "Strife" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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