Crossword Genius

Girl losing her head, the idiot (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ass

'idiot' is the definition.
(both can mean a stupid person)

'girl losing her head' is the wordplay.
'girl' becomes 'lass' (lass can informally mean a girl).
'losing her head' means to remove the first letter.
'lass' with its initial letter removed is 'ASS'.

'the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ass that I've seen before include "Hardy and sure-footed animal" , "Animal of horse family" , "One easily had" , "Bottom, temporarily" , "Clinton's behind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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