Crossword Genius

Apply cross-tree contrivance (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exert

'apply' is the definition.
(exerting is a kind of applying)

'cross-tree contrivance' is the wordplay.
'cross' becomes 'x' (X is cross-shaped).
'contrivance' indicates anagramming the letters.
'x'+'tree'='xtree'
'xtree' is an anagram of 'EXERT'.

(Other definitions for exert that I've seen before include "Bring into use, strength or influence" , "Strive" , "Bring into play, wield" , "Exercise, wield" , "Bring into operation" .)

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