Crossword Genius

When a reprobate can get ahead? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ripon

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

'can get ahead?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'when a reprobate' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'when' could be 'on' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'on' is found in the answer.
'reprobate' could be 'rip' (informal term for a fraud) and 'rip' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ripon that I've seen before include "minster" , "North Yorkshire cathedral city" , "historic city" , "Yorks cathedral" , "northern town" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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