Crossword Genius

Criminal author will grab a stick to boomerang (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

illegal

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'criminal' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'author will grab a stick to boomerang' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'will' could be 'll' (contracted form, as in 'he'll' - 'he will') and 'll' is present in the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for illegal that I've seen before include "Unlawful" , "Such an immigrant" , "Black-market" , "Contraband" , "Wrong" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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