Crossword Genius

Elaborate play with ten might be fine (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

penalty

'fine' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'elaborate play with ten' is the wordplay.
'elaborate' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'play' after 'ten' is 'tenplay'.
'tenplay' anagrammed gives 'PENALTY'.

'might be' is the link.

(Other definitions for penalty that I've seen before include "kick by footballer" , "Fine - handicap" , "Spot kick" , "Punishment eg for foul" , "Disadvantage imposed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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