Crossword Genius

Harsh critic of head of state after Panama? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hater

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'harsh critic' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'head of state after panama?' is the wordplay.
'head of state' becomes 'ER' (abbreviation for Elizabeth Regina).
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'panama?' becomes 'hat' (panama is a kind of hat).
'er' after 'hat' is 'HATER'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hater that I've seen before include "Unpleasant type" , "Heart (anag.)" , "One loathing" , "I really can't stand" , "One who shows intense dislike" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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