Crossword Genius

Scrap speed after case takes precedence for judge (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arbitrate

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'scrap speed' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't see how they can define each other.

'after case takes precedence for judge' is the wordplay.
'case' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'takes precedence' becomes 'bit' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'for' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'judge' becomes 'rate' (rating is a kind of judging).
'after' with its middle removed is 'ar'.
'ar'+'bit'+'rate'='ARBITRATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arbitrate that I've seen before include "Decide" , "Mediate" , "Adjudge" , "Help settle a dispute" , "Act between disputing parties" .)

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