Crossword Genius

Foiled awful fraudster — about time (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

frustrated

'foiled' is the definition.
('frustrate' can be a synonym of 'foil')

'awful fraudster about time' is the wordplay.
'awful' is an anagram indicator.
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'time' becomes 't'.
'fraudster' anagrammed gives 'frustraed'.
'frustraed' enclosing 't' is 'FRUSTRATED'.

(Other definitions for frustrated that I've seen before include "Disheartened" , "Prevented from progressing" , "Thwarted" , "Disappointingly unsuccessful" , "Having a sense of discouragement and dissatisfaction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.