Crossword Genius

Figure holding publication on prayer – usually about that (2,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on average

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

'usually about that' is the definition.
'on average' can be an answer for 'usually' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the remainder of the definition.

'figure holding publication on prayer' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'figure' could be 'average' (averaging is a kind of figuring) and 'average' is found within the answer.
'on' is within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for on average that I've seen before include "typically speaking" , "Usually" , "Generally" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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