Crossword Genius

Permit I have is not active (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

passive

'not active' is the definition.
('passive' is the opposite to 'active')

'permit i have' is the wordplay.
'permit' becomes 'pass' (pass is a kind of permit).
'i have' becomes 'ive'.
'pass'+'ive'='PASSIVE'

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for passive that I've seen before include "Inert, lethargic" , "Slow to react" , "Showing no resistance" , "Not resisting" , "Inactive or non-resistant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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