Crossword Genius

Empress turned up when cross (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tsaritsa

'empress' is the definition.
(I know that tsaritsa is a type of empress)

'turned up when cross' is the wordplay.
'turned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'up' becomes 'astir' (synonyms).
'when' becomes 'as' (eg 'when I walked' means 'as I walked').
'cross' becomes 'T' (shape).
'astir'+'as'+'t'='astirast'
'astirast' backwards is 'TSARITSA'.

(Other definitions for tsaritsa that I've seen before include "Russian empress" , "ruler's consort" , "Royal lady" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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