Crossword Genius

Acknowledges the trick on companies (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

confirms

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'acknowledges' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'trick on companies' is the wordplay.
'trick' becomes 'con' (a con is a fraud or trick).
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'companies' becomes 'firms' (I've seen this in another clue).
'con'+'firms'='CONFIRMS'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for confirms that I've seen before include "Supports the truth of something" , "Finalises or makes definite" , "Corroborates" , "Provides supporting evidence of the truth" , "Provides support for the truth of" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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