Crossword Genius

English travel showing self-importance (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ego

'self-importance' is the definition.
('ego' can be a synonym of 'self-importance')

'english travel' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'travel' becomes 'go' ('go' can be a synonym of 'travel').
'e'+'go'='EGO'

'showing' is the link.

(Other definitions for ego that I've seen before include "Aspect of the personality" , "One's image of oneself" , "Person's sense of self" , "Self-esteem, sense of self" , "Morale" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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