Crossword Genius

Propose to a patient man in a fix (3-2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

put-up job

'in a fix' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'propose to a patient man' is the wordplay.
'propose' becomes 'putup' (putting up is a kind of proposing).
'to a patient man' becomes 'job' (biblical character famous for patience).
'putup'+'job'='PUT-UP JOB'

(Other definitions for put-up job that I've seen before include "Dishonest scheme" , "Deception arranged in advance" , "sham!" , "Craftily conceived undertaking" , "Prearranged scam" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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