Crossword Genius

Is it taken up by chef in kitchen? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

knife

'is it taken up' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'chef in kitchen?' is the wordplay.
'KNIFE' is hidden back-to-front within the letters.
However, I'm uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'by' is the link.

(Other definitions for knife that I've seen before include "Piece of cutlery" , "Cutting blade" , "Dagger" , "Potential weapon" , "Attack" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.
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