Crossword Genius

Idle fancy about that man, English artist (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chimera

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

'idle fancy' is the definition.
(chimera can mean a fancy or delusion)

'about that man english artist' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for 'circa').
'that man' becomes 'him' (I've seen this before).
'english artist' becomes 'era' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'c'+'him'+'era'='CHIMERA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chimera that I've seen before include "figment of the imagination" , "Mythical creature; delusion" , "phantom" , "wild dream" , "Illusory goal; monster" .)

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