Crossword Genius

Father returned and concealed bug (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aphid

'bug' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'father returned and concealed' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'concealed' becomes 'hid' ('hide' can be a synonym of 'conceal').
'pa' back-to-front is 'ap'.
'ap'+'hid'='APHID'

(Other definitions for aphid that I've seen before include "plant pest" , "Sap-sucking bug" , "Horticultural pest" , "Blackfly or greenfly" , "Small plant-sucking insect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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.