Crossword Genius

Staff of American Express (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cane

'staff' is the definition.
(I know this)

'of american express' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'CANE' can be found hidden inside 'american express'.

(Other definitions for cane that I've seen before include "Stick; thrash" , "Slender stick" , "Sugar plant" , "not beet" , "Strong stem for to allow a plant to climb" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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