Crossword Genius

Conservative, thin, in Greenwich initially washing (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cleaning

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'washing' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'conservative thin in greenwich initially' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'thin' becomes 'lean' (associated in meaning).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'greenwich' is 'g'.
'c'+'lean'+'in'+'g'='CLEANING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cleaning that I've seen before include "Washing, dusting" , "Freeing from dirt" , "Sanitising" , "Wiping" , "Removing dirt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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