Crossword Genius

He makes money in vain, maybe (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alvin

'he' is the definition.

'money in vain maybe' is the wordplay.
'money' becomes 'l' (L can mean 'pounds').
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'maybe' is an anagram indicator.
'vain' with letters rearranged gives 'avin'.
'l' put inside 'avin' is 'ALVIN'.

'makes' acts as a link.

(Another definition for alvin that I've seen is " -- Stardust, singer".)

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