Crossword Genius

Evil man providing returns with little cash (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maleficent

'evil' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'man providing returns with little cash' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'male' ().
'providing' becomes 'if' (I've seen this in other clues).
'returns' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'little cash' becomes 'cent' (eg small amount of cash in US coinage).
'if' back-to-front is 'fi'.
'male'+'fi'+'cent'='MALEFICENT'

(Other definitions for maleficent that I've seen before include "Harmful" , "Evil" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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