Crossword Genius

Allow to represent (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stand for

'represent' is the definition.
(I know that represent is a more specific form of be)

'allow to' is the wordplay.
'allow' becomes 'stand' (standing is a kind of allowing).
'to' becomes 'for'.
'stand'+'for'='STAND FOR'

(Other definitions for stand for that I've seen before include "Represent or put up with" , "Signify" , "Be representative of or tolerate" , "Mean" , "brook" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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