Crossword Genius

Means to reduce capital growth? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

haircut

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'capital growth?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'means to reduce' is the wordplay.
'means' becomes 'hair' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to reduce' becomes 'cut' ('cut' can be a synonym of 'reduce').
'hair'+'cut'='HAIRCUT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for haircut that I've seen before include "Bob, perhaps" , "style for shock" , "shock treatment" , "Less of a shock after this" , "Bob maybe" .)

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