Crossword Genius

Counter with publication, clear source of attraction? (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bar magnet

'source of attraction?' is the definition.
(as in magnetic attraction)

'counter with publication clear' is the wordplay.
'counter' becomes 'bar' (bar is a kind of counter).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'publication' becomes 'mag' (abbreviation for magazine).
'clear' becomes 'net' (as in net profit).
'bar'+'mag'+'net'='BAR MAGNET'

(Other definitions for bar magnet that I've seen before include "something attractive?" , "Attractive block of metal" , "attracting stick?" , "Oblong attractor" , "Attractive thing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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