Crossword Genius

University cricketer upset, being out (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tabu

'being out' is the definition.
('tabu' can be a synonym of 'out')

'university cricketer upset' is the wordplay.
'university' becomes 'u' (abbreviation for university).
'cricketer' becomes 'bat' (I've seen this before).
'upset' is a reversal indicator.
'u'+'bat'='ubat'
'ubat' in reverse letter order is 'TABU'.

(Other definitions for tabu that I've seen before include "Social prohibition" , "Forbidden (Alt sp.)" , "beyond the pale" , "delicate matter?" , "Disapproved of" .)

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