Crossword Genius

Machine producing French and English articles (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lathe

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'machine' is the definition.
(machine for shaping metal etc)

'french and english articles' is the wordplay.
'french and english' becomes 'l' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'articles' becomes 'a the' ('a' and 'the', indefinite and definite articles).
'l'+'athe'='LATHE'

'producing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lathe that I've seen before include "Machine for cutting, drilling or polishing" , "This is turned out" , "Turner's tool" , "piece of machinery" , "Means for turning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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