Crossword Genius

Retaliated as salesman was dishonest (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

replied

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'retaliated' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'salesman was dishonest' is the wordplay.
'salesman' becomes 'rep' (sales representative).
'was dishonest' becomes 'lied' (lying is being dishonest).
'rep'+'lied'='REPLIED'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for replied that I've seen before include "Made some response" , "Answered back" , "Gave answer" , "Wrote back" , "came back" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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