Crossword Genius

Deal stimulant behind officer's back (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cope

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'deal' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'stimulant behind officer's back' is the wordplay.
'stimulant behind' becomes 'ep' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'officer' becomes 'oc' (I've seen this in other clues).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ep'+'oc'='epoc'
'epoc' in reverse letter order is 'COPE'.

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(Other definitions for cope that I've seen before include "Clerical vestment; to deal (with)" , "Firmly based (in)" , "Priest's ceremonial cloak" , "Manage, subsist" , "Vestment; get along" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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