Crossword Genius

Display a leaf with an insect on it (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pageant

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'display' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'a leaf with an insect on it' is the wordplay.
'a leaf' becomes 'p'.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'an' becomes 'a'.
'insect on' becomes 'gean' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'it' becomes ''t' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis).
'p'+'a'+'gean'+'t'='PAGEANT'

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(Other definitions for pageant that I've seen before include "entertaining spectacle" , "Splendid procession, parade" , "Neat gap for colourful spectacle" , "Spectacular display" , "Make public spectacle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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