Crossword Genius

Maybe pirate radio dropped one after speed distributed (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

desperado

'maybe pirate' is the definition.

'radio dropped one after speed distributed' is the wordplay.
'dropped' is a deletion indicator.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'distributed' indicates an anagram.
'radio' with 'i' taken out is 'rado'.
'speed' anagrammed gives 'despe'.
'rado' put after 'despe' is 'DESPERADO'.

(Other definitions for desperado that I've seen before include "Gangster" , "Road speed (anag.)" , "Reckless person" , "Bold outlaw on the American frontier" , "reckless type" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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