Crossword Genius

Female taking the part of male in mean con (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fiddle

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'part of male in mean con' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fiddle that I've seen before include "Steal from one's employer" , "Scam - musical instrument" , "Fraudulent instrument?" , "Stringed instrument - racket!" , "Get by cheating, or handle aimlessly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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