Crossword Genius

Sent back theatre subsidy (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

repaid

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sent back' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'theatre subsidy' is the wordplay.
'theatre' becomes 'rep' (I've seen this before).
'subsidy' becomes 'aid' (I've seen this in another clue).
'rep'+'aid'='REPAID'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for repaid that I've seen before include "Recompensed" , "Returned" , "Gave back money owed" , "no longer outstanding" , "Diaper (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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