Crossword Genius

Models chastised about clothes (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sits

'models' is the definition.
('sit' can be a synonym of 'model')

'chastised about clothes' is the wordplay.
'clothes' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (the letters clothe the hidden word).
'about' is a reversal indicator.
'stis' is hidden in the letters of 'chastised'.
'stis' written backwards gives 'SITS'.

(Other definitions for sits that I've seen before include "Poses for portrait" , "Poses for a painter" , "Is in session" , "Takes an exam" , "Perches" .)

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