Crossword Genius

Consequence of Denise and Eric's break-up? (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

decree nisi

'consequence' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'denise and eric's break-up?' is the wordplay.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'break up?' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'broken up' mean this).
'denise'+'eric'='deniseeric'
'deniseeric' anagrammed gives 'DECREE NISI'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for decree nisi that I've seen before include "court order" , "Provisional divorce document" , "Judicial order" , "Separation agreement" , "Provisional divorce order" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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