Crossword Genius

Distant area Charlie goes over (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aloof

'distant' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'area charlie goes over' is the wordplay.
'area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation).
'charlie' becomes 'fool' (charlie can mean a foolish person).
'goes over' says the letters should be written backwards.
'fool' reversed gives 'loof'.
'a'+'loof'='ALOOF'

(Other definitions for aloof that I've seen before include "Distant or stuck-up" , "Showing detached attitude" , "apart from all else" , "Unapproachable, distant" , "Displaying supercilious reserve" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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