Crossword Genius

Red mark permitted (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scarlet

'red' is the definition.
(I know this)

'mark permitted' is the wordplay.
'mark' becomes 'scar' (synonyms).
'permitted' becomes 'let' (to let something happen is to permit it).
'scar'+'let'='SCARLET'

(Other definitions for scarlet that I've seen before include "Brilliant red colour" , "Crimson" , "immoral" , "Vivid red" , "Clarets (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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