Crossword Genius

Reform law having read the unfair terms (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

raw deal

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'unfair terms' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'reform law having read' is the wordplay.
'reform' indicates an anagram (letters in a new form).
'having' says to put letters next to each other.
'law'+'read'='lawread'
'lawread' with letters rearranged gives 'RAW DEAL'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for raw deal that I've seen before include "Rough end" , "Untreated wood" , "Poor treatment" , "Unjust payoff" , "cruel treatment" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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