Crossword Genius

Erect a pale in river in the dark (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unaware

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'in the dark' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for unaware that I've seen before include "Ignorant - unconscious" , "Without knowledge" , "Unexpected" , "Oblivious to, not knowing" , "Not having knowledge or realisation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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