Crossword Genius

A repealed statute, to be precise? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exact

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'precise?' is the definition.
('exact' can be a synonym of 'precise')

'a repealed statute' is the wordplay.
'a repealed' becomes 'ex' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'statute' becomes 'act' (an act of law).
'ex'+'act'='EXACT'

'to be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exact that I've seen before include "Demand, extort" , "Demand payment" , "accurate in all details" , "Precise; extort" , "Spot on, precise" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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