Crossword Genius

Curses businessman who's contracted charges (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

execrates

'curses' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'businessman who's contracted charges' is the wordplay.
'businessman who's contracted' becomes 'exec' (abbreviation for executive).
'charges' becomes 'rates' (rate is a kind of charge).
'exec'+'rates'='EXECRATES'

(Other definitions for execrates that I've seen before include "Hates" , "Curses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app