Crossword Genius

Dignitaries turned back on shyster (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spiv

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'shyster' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'dignitaries turned back' is the wordplay.
'dignitaries' becomes 'VIPs' ('VIP' can be a synonym of 'dignitary').
'turned back' is a reversal indicator.
'vips' reversed gives 'SPIV'.

'on' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spiv that I've seen before include "He's a flashy dresser who sells dodgy goods" , "Agreement" , "Person living off various dubious schemes" , "Flashy fellow who sells dodgy goods" , "Timepiece" .)

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