Crossword Genius

Daring to cycle in front of bad cops (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

old bill

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

'cops' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'daring to cycle in front of bad' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'bad' could be 'ill' (associated in meaning) and 'ill' is found 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 old bill that I've seen before include "Met, perhaps" , "Police (sl.)" , "previous charges" , "Police (slang)" , "evidence of previous appearances in theatre" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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