Crossword Genius

Single large unit (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lone

'single' is the definition.
('lone' can be a synonym of 'single')

'large unit' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'l'.
'unit' becomes 'one' ('one' can be a synonym of 'unit'**).
'l'+'one'='LONE'

(Other definitions for lone that I've seen before include "Solitary, sounds like advance" , "Companionless" , "Solitary or single" , "Unaccompanied" , "Sole" .)

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