Crossword Genius

Some funding is never returned; this could be a red flag (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ensign

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

'flag' is the definition.
(ensign is a kind of flag)

'some funding is never returned' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'returned' is a reversal indicator.
'ngisne' is hidden within 'funding is never'.
'ngisne' backwards is 'ENSIGN'.

'this could be a red' is the link.
This may not be right. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ensign that I've seen before include "Lowly ranked officer" , "Flag - junior American naval officer" , "US naval rank" , "Flag; standard-bearer" , "Military or naval flag" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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