Crossword Genius

Spinster fashions mad idol (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

old maid

'spinster' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'fashions mad idol' is the wordplay.
'fashions' indicates an anagram.
'mad'+'idol'='madidol'
'madidol' with letters rearranged gives 'OLD MAID'.

(Other definitions for old maid that I've seen before include "Singleton" , "never taken from the shelf?" , "game of cards" , "Obsolete expression for elderly unmarried woman" , "Miss" .)

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