Crossword Genius

I had nothing left but an image (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

idol

'an image' is the definition.
(I know that idol is a type of image)

'i had nothing left' is the wordplay.
'i had' becomes 'i'd' (I'd).
'nothing' becomes 'O' (looks like zero - 0).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'id'+'o'+'l'='IDOL'

'but' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for idol that I've seen before include "Much-loved actor" , "Honoured figure" , "Who's greatly respected" , "something to be revered" , "Superstar; graven image" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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