Crossword Genius

A bit cruel recasting Grease? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lubricate

'grease?' is the definition.
('lubricate' can be a synonym of 'grease')

'a bit cruel recasting' is the wordplay.
'recasting' indicates an anagram.
'a'+'bit'+'cruel'='abitcruel'
'abitcruel' is an anagram of 'LUBRICATE'.

(Other definitions for lubricate that I've seen before include "supply with booze" , "Bribe" , "Apply oil/grease" , "Oil (a mechanism)" , "Apply oil or grease to" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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