Crossword Genius

Devil shows an earlier scar (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

old nick

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'devil' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'an earlier scar' is the wordplay.
'an earlier' becomes 'old' (old can mean former or earlier).
'scar' becomes 'nick' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'old'+'nick'='OLD NICK'

'shows' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for old nick that I've seen before include "reopened wound?" , "alternative to deep blue sea" , "Familiar name for the devil, ancient chap" , "'The prince of darkness (3,4)'" , "Newgate or Marshalsea?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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