Crossword Genius

Ointment's taken right off tray (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

salve

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'ointment's' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'right off tray' is the wordplay.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'off' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'tray' becomes 'salver' (salver is a kind of tray).
'salver' with 'r' taken away is 'SALVE'.

'taken' acts as a link.
This may not be correct. It may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for salve that I've seen before include "Ointment; soothe" , "Ointment from the vales" , "Balm - ointment" , "comfort" , "Something that soothes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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