Crossword Genius

Subcontract abroad before spring (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

outsource

'subcontract' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'abroad before spring' is the wordplay.
'abroad' becomes 'out' (I've seen this before).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'spring' becomes 'source' (I've seen this before**).
'out'+'source'='OUTSOURCE'

(Other definitions for outsource that I've seen before include "Avoid working oneself" , "Place (work) with external contractors" , "get someone independent to do it" , "work elsewhere" , "Put (work) to an external supplier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.
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