Crossword Genius

Solitary-sounding advance (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loan

'advance' is the definition.
(an advance is a loan)

'solitary-sounding' is the wordplay.
'solitary' becomes 'lone' (synonyms).
'sounding' shows a homophone (sound like).
'lone' is a homophone of 'LOAN'.

(Other definitions for loan that I've seen before include "Overdraft" , "Advance (money)" , "Cash advance" , "Mortgage" , "temporary payment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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