Crossword Genius

Spike, large one (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lace

'spike' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'large one' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'one' becomes 'ace' (ace has a value of one in some card games).
'l'+'ace'='LACE'

(Other definitions for lace that I've seen before include "Do up (shoe, etc)" , "Fine open fabric" , "Delicate material" , "Shoe tie" , "Shoe string" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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