Crossword Genius

Miserable girl in police vehicle (5,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

black maria

'police vehicle' is the definition.
(informal term for a vehicle transporting prisoners)

'miserable girl' is the wordplay.
'miserable' becomes 'black' (black can mean miserable or unhappy).
'girl' becomes 'maria' ().
'black'+'maria'='BLACK MARIA'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for black maria that I've seen before include "vehicle for criminals" , "Old police van for transporting prisoners" , "Van with criminals" , "Police prisoners' transport" , "Nick vehicle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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