Crossword Genius

Contemptuous expression of son leaving party (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bah

'contemptuous expression' is the definition.
(expression of disapproval, as in 'bah humbug!')

'son leaving party' is the wordplay.
'son' becomes 's' (genealogical abbreviation for son).
'leaving' is a deletion indicator.
'party' becomes 'bash' (term for a party or celebration).
'bash' with 's' taken out is 'BAH'.

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for bah that I've seen before include "''... Humbug'' Scrooge's cry" , "Exclamation of disgust or annoyance" , "Appalling!" , "''...! Humbug!'' (Scrooge)" , "Comic expression of contempt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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