Crossword Genius

Revolutionary shot sappers, the monster (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ogre

'the monster' is the definition.
(fairy tale monster)

'revolutionary shot sappers' is the wordplay.
'revolutionary' is a reversal indicator.
'shot' becomes 'go' (both can mean an attempt).
'sappers' becomes 'RE' (nickname for the Royal Engineers).
'go' written backwards gives 'og'.
'og'+'re'='OGRE'

(Other definitions for ogre that I've seen before include "Giant who eats people" , "Ergo (anag.)" , "stern one who inspires fear" , "Has a monstrous role" , "Cruel giant of folklore" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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