Crossword Genius

Operative damaged conifer

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in force

'operative' is the definition.
('in force' can be similar in meaning to 'operative')

'damaged conifer' is the wordplay.
'damaged' indicates anagramming the letters.
'conifer' with letters rearranged gives 'IN FORCE'.

(Other definitions for in force that I've seen before include "policemen are" , "Bobby is" , "with large numbers" , "Legally operative" , "Effective" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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