Crossword Genius

Has that hurt being up against poles? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

owns

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'has that hurt being up against poles?' is the definition.
'owns' can be an answer for 'has' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the remainder of the definition.

'that hurt being up against poles?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'poles?' could be 'ns' (north and south poles) and 'ns' is found within the answer.
'that hurt' could be 'ow' (exclamation of pain) and 'ow' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for owns that I've seen before include "Possesses" , "Belongs to" , "Admits possession" , "uses" , "Confesses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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