Crossword Genius

Sweeper causing a blockhead some distress? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

besom

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

'blockhead some distress?' is the wordplay.
'blockhead' becomes 'b' (head letter of 'block').
'distress?' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'distress' mean this).
'some' with letters rearranged gives 'esom'.
'b'+'esom'='BESOM'

'causing a' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for besom that I've seen before include "Concoction of twigs" , "sweeper" , "Broom made from twigs tied to a handle" , "I sweep" , "Lazy woman" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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