Crossword Genius

Soft device for fixing shrub (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

privet

'shrub' is the definition.
(privet is a kind of shrub)

'soft device for fixing' is the wordplay.
'soft' becomes 'p' (musical abbreviation for 'piano').
'device for fixing' becomes 'rivet'.
'p'+'rivet'='PRIVET'

(Other definitions for privet that I've seen before include "hedge material" , "Common hedge shrub" , "Bushy evergreen shrub used for hedges" , "Shrub much used for hedges" , "Hedging shrub" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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