Crossword Genius

Deranged bloke holds one small dagger (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

obelisk

'dagger' is the definition.
('obelisk' can be a synonym of 'dagger')

'deranged bloke holds one small' is the wordplay.
'deranged' indicates an anagram.
'holds' is an insertion indicator.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'bloke' is an anagram of 'obelk'.
'i'+'s'='is'
'obelk' enclosing 'is' is 'OBELISK'.

(Other definitions for obelisk that I've seen before include "Cleopatra's Needle, for instance" , "Tapering, rectangular stone column" , "Cleopatra's Needle, for example" , "Eg Cleopatra's Needle" , "Needle-like column" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.