Crossword Genius

Surprise greatly -- like Villa? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

astonish

This clue is a double definition.

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

'like villa?' is the second definition.
('astonish' could whimsically mean like Aston Villa)

(Other definitions for astonish that I've seen before include "Provoke wonder" , "Gobsmack" , "Stun" , "Take by surprise" , "Greatly impress" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times, The Telegraph and The Sun.
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