Crossword Genius

Owing to student conflict (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

duel

'conflict' is the definition.
(duel is a kind of conflict)

'owing to student' is the wordplay.
'owing' becomes 'due' (similar in meaning).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'due'+'l'='DUEL'

(Other definitions for duel that I've seen before include "Fight over a point of honour" , "Single combat" , "Fight between two persons" , "Contest between two with deadly weapons" , "Gentlemen's disagreement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express and The Mirror.
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