Crossword Genius

Sovereign in charge is unrestricted (4)

Ross

I think it could be either:

tree

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

'is unrestricted' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'sovereign in charge' is the wordplay.
'sovereign' becomes 'r' (I've seen this in other clues).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'charge' becomes 'tee' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'r' inserted within 'tee' is 'TREE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tree that I've seen before include "Recently named grouping of rogue states" , "A number" , "Large woody plant (4)" , "Genealogist's work" , "elder, maybe" .)

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