Bar allowed female to take up new position (4)

I believe the answer is:

reef

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

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for reef that I've seen before include "Main bank" , "Submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface" , "Hazard for ships" , "Chain of rocks near the surface of the sea" , "Gather up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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