Crossword Genius

Perhaps blue permit featured in articles (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

athlete

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

'permit featured in articles' is the wordplay.
'permit' becomes 'let' (synonyms).
'featured in' indicates putting letters inside.
'articles' becomes 'a the' ('a' and 'the', indefinite and definite articles).
'let' placed inside 'athe' is 'ATHLETE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for athlete that I've seen before include "Sportsman in physical contests" , "One trains in sport" , "Announces impending danger" , "Bolt perhaps" , "One good at sports" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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