Crossword Genius

Laggard author’s pidgin confession in quarantine? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

isolate

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

'in quarantine?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for isolate that I've seen before include "Eat soil (anag)" , "Place separately" , "Strand" , "Place apart from others or alone" , "Place apart, away from others" .)

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