Crossword Genius

Deputy copper digs into dirt, redacting article (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

locum

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

'deputy' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'copper digs into dirt redacting article' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'copper' could be 'cu' (chemical symbol) and 'cu' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for locum that I've seen before include "Deputising doctor" , "Professional temp" , "temporary occupant" , "Stand-in physician" , "Temporary replacement doctor" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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