Crossword Genius

Smash prof's ironware — POW! (8,2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prisoner of war

'pow' is the definition.
(abbreviation)

'smash prof's ironware' is the wordplay.
'smash' indicates anagramming the letters.
'profs'+'ironware'='profsironware'
'profsironware' with letters rearranged gives 'PRISONER OF WAR'.

(Other definitions for prisoner of war that I've seen before include "Captured member of enemy forces" , "E.g. Stalag inmate" , "POW in full" , "Captured soldier" , "Enemy captive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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