Crossword Genius

Duplicate contract expert received (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reproduce

'duplicate' is the definition.
(I know that duplicate is a more specific form of the action reproduce)

'contract expert received' is the wordplay.
'contract' becomes 'reduce' (synonyms).
'expert' becomes 'pro' (short for professional).
'received' indicates putting letters inside.
'reduce' placed around 'pro' is 'REPRODUCE'.

(Other definitions for reproduce that I've seen before include "To propagate" , "Ape" , "Procedure (anag.)" , "Make a copy of (something)" , "achieve propagation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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