Crossword Genius

Punishing distances? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rods

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'punishing distances?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

This is the entire clue.

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(Other definitions for rods that I've seen before include "Biblical races" , "Those angling" , "Straight, thin sticks" , "Hot ones are modified cars" , "Long slender bars" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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