Crossword Genius

Gossip about lots that's not expensive (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dirt cheap

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'gossip about lots that's not expensive' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'gossip about lots that's not expensive' is the wordplay.
'gossip about' becomes 'dirt' (as in the phrase 'dish the dirt'. I am not sure about the 'about' bit.).
'lots' means to remove the last letter (I've seen 'lots of' mean this (the majority of the word)).
'that's not expensive' becomes 'cheapo' (I've seen this before).
'cheapo' with its last letter taken off is 'cheap'.
'dirt'+'cheap'='DIRT-CHEAP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dirt cheap that I've seen before include "rock-bottom prices" , "doing little damage?" , "at an extremely low price" , "for very little money" , "Inexpensive (as muck?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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