Crossword Genius

Phase pets out (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

step

'phase' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'pets out' is the wordplay.
'out' indicates an anagram (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'pets' anagrammed gives 'STEP'.

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Set foot down on pest" , "'Stage, rung (4)'" , "Abrupt change; pace" , "Place foot on as with a pest" , "Prefix meaning related by remarriage" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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