Crossword Genius

It takes little space in the newspaper (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

item

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'the newspaper' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'it takes little space' is the wordplay.
'takes' says to put letters next to each other.
'little space' becomes 'em' (typographical space as wide as an 'm').
'it'+'em'='ITEM'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for item that I've seen before include "date" , "Syrian capital" , "Two people romantically linked" , "Also no more" , "Separate article" .)

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