Crossword Genius

How would gnome perform in a crash? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impact

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a crash?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'how would gnome perform' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'perform' could be 'act' (acting is a kind of performing) and 'act' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'imp' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for impact that I've seen before include "Repercussion" , "Repercussions" , "Force of colllision or blow" , "Crash" , "Force of blow or collision" .)

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