Crossword Genius

Reflective parent admitted game should be shortened (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abridged

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'shortened' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'reflective parent admitted game' is the wordplay.
'reflective parent' becomes 'ad' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'admitted' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'game' becomes 'bridge' (card game).
'ad' enclosing 'bridge' is 'ABRIDGED'.

'should be' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for abridged that I've seen before include "Shorter" , "Shortened as book may be" , "Cut short - big adder (anag)" , "Abbreviated, contracted" , "Epitomised" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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