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Miracle shot, dead on small target (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

godsend

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'miracle' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'shot dead on small target' is the wordplay.
'shot' becomes 'go' (both can mean an attempt).
'dead' becomes 'd' (abbreviation in government records).
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'target' becomes 'end' (end can mean one's purpose or goal).
'go'+'d'+'s'+'end'='GODSEND'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for godsend that I've seen before include "Very helpful thing" , "Sudden happening that brings good fortune" , "Welcome surprise" , "Very opportune thing" , "Something very opportune" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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