Crossword Genius

Source of inspiration, play a villain (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beacon

'source of inspiration' is the definition.
(as in a beacon of hope)

'play a villain' is the wordplay.
'play' becomes 'be' (as in playing a character).
'villain' becomes 'con' (short for convict).
'be'+'a'+'con'='BEACON'

(Other definitions for beacon that I've seen before include "Raised signal fire or light" , "Radio transmitter for positioning" , "Warning, guiding, fire" , "Warning or guiding device" , "Signal light on hill" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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