Crossword Genius

Dad not right in the head (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pate

'head' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'dad not right' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pater' ('pater' can be a synonym of 'dad').
'not' is a deletion indicator.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'pater' with 'r' taken out is 'PATE'.

'in the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pate that I've seen before include "Meat paste, perhaps de fois gras" , "Meat paste, maybe de fois gras" , "chef's preparation" , "Tasty meat paste, maybe de foie gras" , "chef's item" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app