Crossword Genius

Unaccompanied male carrying garden tool for personal security (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hostage

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

'personal security' is the definition.
'hostage' can be an answer for 'security' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'personal' bit.

'unaccompanied male carrying garden tool' is the wordplay.
'unaccompanied male' becomes 'stag' (man attending a social event without a woman).
'carrying' is an insertion indicator.
'garden tool' becomes 'hoe' (tool used when gardening).
'stag' going within 'hoe' is 'HOSTAGE'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hostage that I've seen before include "One held for ransom" , "She-goat (anag)" , "One caught" , "person captive to fortune" , "Prisoner - pawn" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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