Crossword Genius

Questionable debts after American friend goes west (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dubious

'questionable' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'debts after american friend goes west' is the wordplay.
'debts' becomes 'ious'.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'american friend' becomes 'bud' (US term for friend).
'goes west' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'bud' in reverse letter order is 'dub'.
'ious' after 'dub' is 'DUBIOUS'.

(Other definitions for dubious that I've seen before include "Morally suspect" , "Open to question" , "Doubtful, uncertain" , "Arousing suspicion" , "Unsure, unconvinced" .)

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