Crossword Genius

Commit theft in gaol (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nick

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This might be a double definition.

'commit' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'theft in gaol' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nick that I've seen before include "jug" , "Notch; prison" , "Little fellow" , "Christmas saint?" , "Indent or slangily steal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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