Crossword Genius

Reportedly exploit sheep (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ewes

'sheep' is the definition.
(a ewe is a female sheep)

'reportedly exploit' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'exploit' becomes 'use' (use can mean to exploit).
'use' sounds like 'EWES'.

(Other definitions for ewes that I've seen before include "Female sheep" , "farm animals" , "members of flock" , "Adult sheep" , "She-sheep" .)

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