Crossword Genius

Turned away Martian - strange date (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alienated

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

'turned away' is the definition.

'martian strange date' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'strange' could be 'alien' (synonyms) and 'alien' is found within the answer.
an anagram of 'date' is 'ated' which is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alienated that I've seen before include "disaffected" , "Estranged" , "Date Liane (anag.)" , "divorced" , "put off" .)

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