Crossword Genius

Each time, special grub (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eats

'grub' is the definition.
('eats' can be a synonym of 'grub')

'each time special' is the wordplay.
'each' becomes 'ea'.
'time' becomes 't'.
'special' becomes 's' (common abbreviation as in Special Air Service).
'ea'+'t'+'s'='EATS'

(Other definitions for eats that I've seen before include "Food (slang)" , "fare" , "Common grub" , "Provisions" , "Commonly, they eliminate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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