Crossword Genius

Popular team locked up (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inside

'locked up' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'popular team' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in' (something that's 'in' is fashionable).
'team' becomes 'side' (both can mean a sports team).
'in'+'side'='INSIDE'

(Other definitions for inside that I've seen before include "Privileged" , "serving porridge" , "Enid is (anag) - within" , "being held" , "undercover" .)

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.