Crossword Genius

Glimpse one impersonating copper (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apercu

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'glimpse' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'one impersonating copper' is the wordplay.
'one impersonating' becomes 'aper' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'copper' becomes 'Cu' (Cu is the chemical symbol for copper).
'aper'+'cu'='APERCU'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apercu that I've seen before include "Illuminating or entertaining point (from French)" , "Illuminating comment or brief reference, to the French" , "summary, insight; race up (anag.)" , "Witty remark" , "Brief sketch, outline" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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