Crossword Genius

Frank, quick to remove top, is standing (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

candidacy

'is standing' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'frank quick to remove top' is the wordplay.
'frank' becomes 'candid' (synonyms).
'quick' becomes 'pacy'.
'to remove top' means to remove the first letter (I've seen 'removes top' mean this).
'pacy' with its first letter removed is 'acy'.
'candid'+'acy'='CANDIDACY'

(Other definitions for candidacy that I've seen before include "standing for election" , "The seeking of election" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app