Crossword Genius

Adopt a defensive stance as traditionalist away (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

square off

'adopt a defensive stance' is the definition.
(to square off is to stand as if about to fight)

'traditionalist away' is the wordplay.
'traditionalist' becomes 'square' (both can mean a boring or traditionalist person).
'away' becomes 'off' (synonyms).
'square'+'off'='SQUARE OFF'

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for square off that I've seen before include "Raise dukes" , "prepare for fight" , "What boxer might do if attacked" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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