Crossword Genius

US criminal unaided, better for hiding (2,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

al capone

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

'us criminal' is the definition.
'al capone' can be an answer for 'criminal' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'us' bit.

'unaided better for hiding' is the wordplay.
'unaided' becomes 'alone' (I've seen this in another clue).
'better' becomes 'cap' (both can mean to beat somebody else's attempt).
'for hiding' indicates putting letters inside (some letters hide inside others).
'alone' placed around 'cap' is 'AL CAPONE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for al capone that I've seen before include "Notorious Chicago gangster nicknamed Scarface" , "Famous gangster" , "Notorious Chicago gangster arrested for tax evasion" , "Hood" , "Chicago gangster known as Scarface" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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