Crossword Genius

Played far from edgily (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

middled

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'played' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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