Crossword Genius

Gift given then returned with thanks (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talent

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

'gift' is the definition.
(I know that gift can be written as talent)

'given then returned with thanks' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'given' could be 'lent' (lending is a kind of giving) and 'lent' is located in the answer.
'thanks' could be 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you') and 'ta' is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for talent that I've seen before include "money no longer usable" , "Natural skill or flair" , "Natural ability or flair" , "that some scouts try to find" , "Innate skill" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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