Crossword Genius

Criminal nears noose (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snare

'noose' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'criminal nears' is the wordplay.
'criminal' indicates anagramming the letters.
'nears' anagrammed gives 'SNARE'.

(Other definitions for snare that I've seen before include "Loop of wire as trap" , "Trap; type of drum" , "Pitfall" , "Gin, possibly" , "Trap with noose for catching animals or birds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Sun.
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