Crossword Genius

Adopts appropriate child (5,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

takes on

'adopts' is the definition.
('take on' can be a synonym of 'adopt')

'appropriate child' is the wordplay.
'appropriate' becomes 'take' (appropriate can mean to steal).
'child' becomes 'son' (son is a kind of child).
'take'+'son'='TAKES ON'

(Other definitions for takes on that I've seen before include "Accepts challenge" , "becomes upset" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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