Crossword Genius

Dad locks up an outcast (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pariah

'an outcast' is the definition.
('pariah' can be a synonym of 'outcast')

'dad locks up' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' ('pa' can be a synonym of 'dad').
'locks' becomes 'hair' (I've seen this before).
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'hair' in reverse letter order is 'riah'.
'pa'+'riah'='PARIAH'

(Other definitions for pariah that I've seen before include "Outcast (state)" , "Outcast (dog)" , "someone socially unacceptable" , "Small box for valuables" , "Unacceptable person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.