Crossword Genius

Squad’s not in contact with Ancient Greek (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plato

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

'ancient greek' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'squad's not in contact with' is the wordplay.
'squad' becomes 'platoon' (I've seen this before).
'not' suggests deleting specific letters.
'in contact with' becomes 'on' (to be on something is to be touching it).
'platoon' with 'on' taken out is 'PLATO'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plato that I've seen before include "Greek philosopher (The Republic)" , "Teacher of Aristotle, pupil of Socrates" , "A plot (anag) (known to Aristotle?)" , "Republic author" , "Greek philosopher, disciple of Aristotle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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