Crossword Genius

Believe singer holding monkey is a better bargain (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cheaper

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'is a better bargain' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'believe singer holding monkey' is the wordplay.
'believe singer' becomes 'cher' (I've seen this in another clue).
'holding' indicates putting letters inside.
'monkey' becomes 'ape' (I've seen this before).
'cher' placed around 'ape' is 'CHEAPER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cheaper that I've seen before include "less in cost" , "Less expensive or tasteful" , "Less extravagant" , "Comparatively despicable" , "More reasonable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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