Crossword Genius

Is he in prison for the century ahead? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

con

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'is he in prison for' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'century ahead?' is the wordplay.
'century' becomes 'C' (common abbreviation).
'ahead?' becomes 'on' ('on' can be a synonym of 'ahead').
'c'+'on'='CON'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for con that I've seen before include "Direct steering; study" , "Rook" , "politician who's in the right" , "Swindle after winning trust" , "Swindle; steer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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