Crossword Genius

Cash for release charged, a bit short (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ransom

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cash for release' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to property as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'charged a bit short' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'charged' could be 'ran' and 'ran' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ransom that I've seen before include "Redeem" , "Freedom payment" , "Payment demanded for someone's release" , "Rescue" , "Buy freedom" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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