Crossword Genius

Represent chaps holding answer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mean

'represent' is the definition.
(both can mean to signify)

'chaps holding answer' is the wordplay.
'chaps' becomes 'men' (chap means a man).
'holding' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'answer' becomes 'a' (abbreviation eg in Q and A).
'men' enclosing 'a' is 'MEAN'.

(Other definitions for mean that I've seen before include "design" , "purpose" , "Norm" , "middle course" , "Intend; stingy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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