Crossword Genius

Brexit negotiator swaps note with Republican fence (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

barrier

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

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for barrier that I've seen before include "Obstacle to movement" , "Obstacle to progress" , "it's soundly broken!" , "See 4" , "Structure preventing access" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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