Crossword Genius

One collared by the force? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thief

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'one collared by the force?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'one collared by the force?' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'collared by' is an insertion indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'force?' becomes 'F' (symbol used in Physics e.g. f=ma).
'i' put inside 'the' is 'thie'.
'thie'+'f'='THIEF'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thief that I've seen before include "One who is fourth in line after a rich man" , "Afternoon break" , "nicker?" , "Larcenist" , "One who steals" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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