Crossword Genius

Spruce from small trading centre (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smart

'spruce' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'small trading centre' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'trading centre' becomes 'mart' (I've seen this before).
's'+'mart'='SMART'

'from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for smart that I've seen before include "astute" , "Clever or dapper" , "Rankle; trim" , "Well turned out" , "Spruce; sting" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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