Crossword Genius

A lot of tapes in a tangle (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spate

'a lot' is the definition.
('spate' can be a synonym of 'lot')

'tapes in a tangle' is the wordplay.
'in a tangle' indicates an anagram.
'tapes' with letters rearranged gives 'SPATE'.

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for spate that I've seen before include "rash" , "Tapes found in sudden flood" , "Flood; sudden burst" , "Sudden increased quantity" , "Fast outpouring" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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