Crossword Genius

Remain a saint or a monster! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beast

'a monster' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'remain a saint' is the wordplay.
'remain' becomes 'be' (I've seen this in other clues).
'saint' becomes 'st'.
'be'+'a'+'st'='BEAST'

'or' is the link.

(Other definitions for beast that I've seen before include "Bully" , "Traditional poet" , "Animal; cruel person" , "beef?" , "wild creature" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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