A father gets to take one's hat off to show appreciation (7)

I believe the answer is:

applaud

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'show appreciation' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for applaud that I've seen before include "Clap (a performance)" , "Big up" , "Express approval of a performance" , "Show approval by clapping hands" , "Express approbation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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