Crossword Genius

Old tree left in front of yard (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elderly

'old' is the definition.
('elderly' can be similar in meaning to 'old')

'tree left in front of yard' is the wordplay.
'tree' becomes 'elder' (elder is a kind of tree**).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'in front of' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'yard' is 'y'.
'elder'+'l'+'y'='ELDERLY'

(Other definitions for elderly that I've seen before include "like a rich attorney's ugly daughter" , "Getting on a bit" , "Somewhat old" , "Getting on in years" , "Mature" .)

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