Crossword Genius

Double first? (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dead heat

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'double first?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

This is the entire clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dead heat that I've seen before include "Tied race result" , "'An exact tie in a race (4,4)'" , "Produce tie" , "Race finish with contestants exactly even - or moribund?" , "A draw in race, competitors finish exactly even" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Sun.
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