Crossword Genius

Pale lines circling one yard (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lily

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'pale' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'lines circling one yard' is the wordplay.
'lines' becomes 'll' (an abbreviation for line written twice).
'circling' indicates putting letters inside (circling can mean going around or containing).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'yard' becomes 'y' (abbreviation).
'll' going around 'i' is 'lil'.
'lil'+'y'='LILY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lily that I've seen before include "Fleur-de-lis" , "Plant with showy pendulous flowers" , "Girl's name - plant with hanging flowers" , "Trumpet-shaped flowering plant" , "- - Allen, singer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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