Crossword Genius

Short tons swindle cargo boat (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tramp

'cargo boat' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'short tons swindle' is the wordplay.
'short tons' becomes 't' ('short' indicates a short form).
'swindle' becomes 'ramp' (I've seen this before).
't'+'ramp'='TRAMP'

(Other definitions for tramp that I've seen before include "Vagrant, drifter" , "Walk heavily - steamer" , "cargo boat" , "sometimes harboured?" , "I might hitch a lift" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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