Crossword Genius

Poor female host Helen, lonely and unloved? (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on the shelf

'lonely and unloved?' is the definition.
('on the shelf' can mean without a partner)

'poor female host helen' is the wordplay.
'poor' indicates an anagram.
'female' becomes 'f' (common abbreviation).
'f'+'host'+'helen'='fhosthelen'
'fhosthelen' anagrammed gives 'ON THE SHELF'.

(Other definitions for on the shelf that I've seen before include "Where you might find Emma" , "Book here, perhaps" , "Despairing of a husband" , "destined never to meet her beau?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.