Crossword Genius

Frightening year out for Mark (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scar

'mark' is the definition.
('scar' can be a synonym of 'mark')

'frightening year out' is the wordplay.
'frightening' becomes 'scary' (I've seen this before).
'year' becomes 'y'.
'out' is a deletion indicator.
'scary' with 'y' taken out is 'SCAR'.

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for scar that I've seen before include "Sign of wound" , "Injury mark - cliff" , "Old wound - bare cliff" , "One left after having wound" , "Effect of unpleasant experience" .)

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