University event interrupting academic, an intimidating figure (6)
I believe the answer is:
dragon
'intimidating figure' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'university event interrupting academic' is the wordplay.
'university event' becomes 'rag' (type of charity event at some universities).
'interrupting' is an insertion indicator.
'academic' becomes 'don' (type of academic - especially at Oxbridge).
'rag' put within 'don' is 'DRAGON'.
'an' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dragon that I've seen before include "It's red on the Welsh flag" , "Mythical fire-breathing animal" , "Mythical fire-breathing creature" , "TV investor" , "eg Puff, Fafner" .)