Crossword Genius

Deal with composer in conversation (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

handle

'deal with' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'composer in conversation' is the wordplay.
'composer' becomes 'Handel' (George Frideric Handel).
'in conversation' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'handel' sounds like 'HANDLE'.

(Other definitions for handle that I've seen before include "Part to be grasped" , "Trade in" , "Manage or deal with - in manual way?" , "Infectious disease" , "Feel or manipulate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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