Crossword Genius

Knock up a short paragraph (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

par

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'a short paragraph' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'knock up' is the wordplay.
'knock' becomes 'rap' (synonyms).
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'rap' back-to-front is 'PAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for par that I've seen before include "standard for a pro" , "Accepted standard" , "Accepted level" , "Standard number of strokes for a golf-hole" , "Rating of strokes required for hole (golf)" .)

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