Crossword Genius

Father turns to a boy for protection (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apron

'for protection' is the definition.
(protective garment)

'father turns to a boy' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'turns' is a reversal indicator.
'to a boy' becomes 'ron' (short for Ronald).
'pa' backwards is 'ap'.
'ap'+'ron'='APRON'

(Other definitions for apron that I've seen before include "standing" , "edge" , "Kitchen protector" , "Type of stage; pinny" , "Airport area for manoeuvring and loading planes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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