Crossword Genius

Senior pupil is ideal if frame of reference is reversed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prefect

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'senior pupil' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'ideal if frame of reference is reversed' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'reference' could be 'ref' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ref' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prefect that I've seen before include "School monitor" , "School senior" , "Chief officer (in France) - senior pupil" , "Senior pupil with powers" , "person in authority" .)

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