Crossword Genius

Surprise gangster somehow forgetting name initially (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stagger

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

'surprise' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'gangster somehow forgetting name initially' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'name' could be 'ag' and 'ag' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stagger that I've seen before include "Walk unsteadily, from weakness or drink" , "Pitch" , "Reel, walk unsteadily" , "Reel about; shock" , "Walk as if about to fall" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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