Crossword Genius

Back-up for safety can be key when involved with merger (9,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

emergency brake

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'back-up for safety' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'can be key when involved with merger' is the wordplay.
'when involved with' indicates anagramming the letters (involved can mean confusing or complex).
'can'+'be'+'key'='canbekey'
'canbekey' with its letters anagrammed with 'merger' makes 'EMERGENCY BRAKE'.

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I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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