Crossword Genius

Deceive a man of conviction (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

con

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

'deceive' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a man of conviction' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'man' could be 'n' (knight, a man in chess) and 'n' is present in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'c' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for con that I've seen before include "Swindle or see" , "one in pen?" , "Direct steering; study" , "Rook" , "Opposed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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