Crossword Genius

Eminent detective used insight at work (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

distinguished

'eminent' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'detective used insight at work' is the wordplay.
'detective' becomes 'di' (Detective Inspector abbreviation).
'at work' is an anagram indicator.
'used'+'insight'='usedinsight'
'usedinsight' is an anagram of 'stinguished'.
'di'+'stinguished'='DISTINGUISHED'

(Other definitions for distinguished that I've seen before include "saw the difference" , "Recognised - famous" , "Made out; noble" , "Acclaimed" , "Made out; illustrious" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.