Crossword Genius

Delivering a rebuke, but going no further (7,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pulling up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'delivering' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a rebuke but going no further' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'going' could be 'pulling' (pulling is a kind of going) and 'pulling' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'up' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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