Crossword Genius

Dealt with the cards put on the table (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

handled

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'dealt with' is the definition.
('handle' can be a synonym of 'deal with')

'cards put on the table' is the wordplay.
'cards' becomes 'hand' (I've seen this before).
'put on the table' becomes 'led' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'hand'+'led'='HANDLED'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for handled that I've seen before include "Touched - held" , "managed" , "Dealt with" , "Coped with" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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