Crossword Genius

Fruit stolen: is it loaded for wide distribution? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grapeshot

'is it loaded for wide distribution?' is the definition.
(group of cannonballs)

'fruit stolen' is the wordplay.
'fruit' becomes 'grapes' (grapes are fruit).
'stolen' becomes 'hot' (stolen goods are 'hot').
'grapes'+'hot'='GRAPESHOT'

(Other definitions for grapeshot that I've seen before include "slugs?" , "Describing ammunition" , "Small iron balls fired from a cannon" , "one could get peppered with it!" , "Great Balls of Fire" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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