Crossword Genius

Friends about to deliver blow (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

slap

'blow' is the definition.
(I know that slap is a type of blow)

'friends about' is the wordplay.
'friends' becomes 'pals' (pal is a kind of friend).
'about' says the letters should be written backwards.
'pals' back-to-front is 'SLAP'.

'to deliver' is the link.

(Other definitions for slap that I've seen before include "Sharp smack" , "Right" , "Hit with an open hand" , "Blow (in face, on back, wrist)" , "Mild punishment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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