Crossword Genius

Skin, so to speak, brace of ducks (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pair

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

'brace of ducks' is the definition.
'pair' can be an answer for 'brace' (a brace is a pair of something). I am unsure of the 'of ducks' bit.

'skin so to speak' is the wordplay.
'skin' becomes 'pare' (synonyms).
'so to speak' shows a homophone (sound like).
'pare' is a homophone of 'PAIR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pair that I've seen before include "Two ducks in one game of cricket" , "Cereal used as food" , "Brace, couple" , "Agreement to avoid division" , "Duo" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app