Crossword Genius

Abrupt measure to stop commencement of operations in open space (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

courtyard

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'stop commencement of operations in open space' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'abrupt measure' is the wordplay.
'abrupt' becomes 'court' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'measure' becomes 'yard' (yard is a kind of measure).
'court'+'yard'='COURTYARD'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for courtyard that I've seen before include "Area surrounded by walls or buildings" , "Dry out car in space enclosed by buildings" , "enclosed area" , "Enclosure open to the sky attached to a house" , "Open-air enclosure attached to a house" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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