Expression used by the Sherpa (6)

I believe the answer is:

phrase

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'expression' is the definition.
(I know that phrase is a type of expression)

'by the sherpa' is the wordplay.
'sherpa' anagrams to 'PHRASE'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'used' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for phrase that I've seen before include "Set of words for sherpa" , "Saying" , "Words for a seraph" , "Piece of music" , "Group of words/notes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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