Crossword Genius

Idiot treats sheep with parasite (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dipstick

'idiot' is the definition.
(informal term for a stupid person)

'treats sheep with parasite' is the wordplay.
'treats sheep' becomes 'dips' (dip can mean to treat sheep with chemicals).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'parasite' becomes 'tick' (type of parasite).
'dips'+'tick'='DIPSTICK'

(Other definitions for dipstick that I've seen before include "Idiot" , "Stupid person" , "Engine oil measurer" , "Rod for measuring oil in engine" , "help to motorist" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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