Crossword Genius

Key worker in the hairdressing salon? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

locksmith

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'key worker' is the definition.
'locksmith' can be an answer for 'worker' (locksmith is a kind of worker). I am unsure of the 'key' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for locksmith that I've seen before include "laughing stock" , "Maker of security devices" , "Yale scholar" , "key figure" , "Security expert" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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