Crossword Genius

Put off man using soap (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detergent

'soap' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'put off man' is the wordplay.
'put off' becomes 'deter' (both can mean to discourage).
'man' becomes 'gent' (gent is a kind of man).
'deter'+'gent'='DETERGENT'

'using' is the link.

(Other definitions for detergent that I've seen before include "Cleansing substance used for washing clothes" , "Get tender (anag)" , "Synthetic cleaning substance for washing machines" , "Soapless cleanser" , "help with the washing-up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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