Crossword Genius

Nuisances - favourites around school (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pests

'nuisances' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'favourites around school' is the wordplay.
'favourites' becomes 'pets' ('pet' can be a synonym of 'favourite').
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'school' becomes 'S'.
'pets' going around 's' is 'PESTS'.

(Other definitions for pests that I've seen before include "Persistently annoying persons" , "Steps (anag.)" , "Take steps to troublesome animal." , "Steps taken about nuisances" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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