Crossword Genius

Difficult problem? Student's lost heart (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ticker

'heart' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'difficult problem? student's lost' is the wordplay.
'difficult problem?' becomes 'tickler' (I've seen this before).
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'lost' is a deletion indicator.
'tickler' with 'l' removed is 'TICKER'.

(Other definitions for ticker that I've seen before include "timer" , "Heart like a clock" , "Telegraph instrument" , "Old clock or slang heart (6)" , "Old watch or informal heart" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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