Crossword Genius

Outgoing old coppers brought into hearing (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

expense

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hearing' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'outgoing old coppers brought' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'old' could be 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime) and 'ex' is located in the answer.
'coppers' could be 'p' and 'p' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'into' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for expense that I've seen before include "Cost - price" , "Charge" , "Money spent in the course of work" , "damage" , "Outlay or cost" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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