Cut short (as when you run after a gal?) (3)

I believe the answer is:

lop

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'cut short' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for lop that I've seen before include "Prune, cut the top off" , "Cut off, tree branches say" , "Cut away branches or twigs" , "Hack" , "Remove branches from a tree" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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