Crossword Genius

Half-safe ways can be expensive (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fees

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'be expensive' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'half-safe ways' is the wordplay.
'half' means to take half the letters.
'ways' becomes 'es' (east and south - two directions).
'safe' cut in half is 'fe'.
'fe'+'es'='FEES'

'can' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fees that I've seen before include "Emoluments" , "Fixed charges for professional services" , "Professional payments" , "Lawyers' charges" , "Charges, payments" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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