Crossword Genius

Monastery figure about to take up sinning? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

novice

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

'monastery figure' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'about to take up sinning?' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 'on' (**).
'to take up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (I've seen 'taken up' mean this).
'sinning?' becomes 'vice'.
'on' backwards is 'no'.
'no'+'vice'='NOVICE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for novice that I've seen before include "Beginner as in religious order" , "Person in a religious order who has not yet taken final vows" , "Beginner, trio" , "Noob" , "apprentice" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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