Crossword Genius

Ready way around cutting grass (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hard cash

'ready way around cutting grass' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'ready way around cutting grass' is the wordplay.
'ready way' becomes 'rd' (I am not sure about the 'ready' bit.**).
'around' becomes 'ca' (circa).
'cutting' is an insertion indicator (some letters cut their way into a word).
'grass' becomes 'hash' (similar terms in drugs slang).
'rd'+'ca'='rdca'
'rdca' inserted inside 'hash' is 'HARD CASH'.

(Other definitions for hard cash that I've seen before include "Coins and banknotes - not a cheque" , "Coins and notes, not cheques or promises" , "Not plastic!" , "Ready money" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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