Crossword Genius

Push student to use clearing process? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shovel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'use clearing process?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'push student' is the wordplay.
'push' becomes 'shove' (shoving is a kind of pushing).
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'shove'+'l'='SHOVEL'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shovel that I've seen before include "Excavator" , "digger" , "Digging tool" , "''Don't forget your..., if you want to go to work'' (Christy Moore)" , "Scoop for lifting and carrying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.