Crossword Genius

Father has learner as friend (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'friend' is the definition.
(pal can mean a friend)

'father has learner' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'pa'+'l'='PAL'

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Mate, buddy" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Bud" , "China" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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.