Crossword Genius

Rapid pace cut short — a blow! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clip

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

I believe this is a quadruple definition!!

'rapid pace' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'cut' is the second definition.
(clip is a kind of cut)

'short' is the third definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'a blow' is the fourth definition.
(I know that clip is a type of blow)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clip that I've seen before include "Fastener; cut short" , "hug" , "Device for holding papers together" , "Short film extract; fasten" , "Piece of film etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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