Crossword Genius

Backs “Contretemps” (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reverses

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'backs' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reverses that I've seen before include "Goes back with reserves" , "Setbacks" , "Defeats" , "Goes backwards" , "Moves backwards" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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