Crossword Genius

Gives the boot back to foot, say (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

serif

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'foot say' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'gives the boot back' is the wordplay.
'gives' becomes 's' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'the boot' becomes 'fire' (I've seen this in another clue).
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'fire' written backwards gives 'erif'.
's'+'erif'='SERIF'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for serif that I've seen before include "addition to character?" , "Small line used in printing type" , "Projection on a letter in some fonts" , "Projection at a letter's end" , "Line on written letters" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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