Crossword Genius

Socialist cleaner has a flag (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red duster

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'a flag' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'socialist cleaner' is the wordplay.
'socialist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean a socialist).
'cleaner' becomes 'duster' (dusting is a type of cleaning).
'red'+'duster'='RED DUSTER'

'has' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for red duster that I've seen before include "British merchant navy flag" , "Signal" , "Ensign" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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