Not such a great distance to travel (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

short cut

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'travel' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for short cut that I've seen before include "Number one" , "Fast way of doing a thing" , "that'll save time?" , "Removal of most locks" , "Route or method quicker than the usual one" .)

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

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