Crossword Genius

In a permanent position but also is up in debt (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rooted

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

'in a permanent position' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'also is up in debt' is the wordplay.
'also' becomes 'too' (synonyms).
'is up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'debt' becomes 'red' ('in the red' means 'in debt').
'too' written backwards gives 'oot'.
'oot' placed into 'red' is 'ROOTED'.

'but' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rooted that I've seen before include "Stuck to the spot" , "Deeply felt" , "Firmly attached as plants are to ground" , "Fixed to the spot like a plant" , "Frivolousness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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