Precise net reduction (5-3)

I believe the answer is:

clear-cut

'precise' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'net reduction' is the wordplay.
'net' becomes 'clear' ('clear' can be a synonym of 'net').
'reduction' becomes 'cut' (cut is a kind of reduction).
'clear'+'cut'='CLEAR-CUT'

(Other definitions for clear-cut that I've seen before include "Very distinct, not open to doubt" , "Cruel act (anag)" , "Sharp" , "Free from obscurity" , "Definite - 2 down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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