Crossword Genius

Charlie, on one occasion, exercises theory (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

concept

'theory' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'charlie on one occasion exercises' is the wordplay.
'charlie' becomes 'c' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'on one occasion' becomes 'once' ('once' can be a synonym of 'on one occasion').
'exercises' becomes 'pt'.
'c'+'once'+'pt'='CONCEPT'

(Other definitions for concept that I've seen before include "Abstract idea; mental picture" , "Product of the mind" , "Notion" , "Abstract or general idea" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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