Crossword Genius

Idiot preserved meat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

jerk

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This could be a double definition.

'idiot' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)

'preserved meat' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for jerk that I've seen before include "Yank; preserve (beef)" , "kind of lift in competition" , "Quick sharp movement" , "dull person" , "contemptibly foolish person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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