Crossword Genius

Sue - pert after straight text (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prosecute

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'pert after straight text' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'text' could be 'prose' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'prose' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'cute' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prosecute that I've seen before include "Bring before a criminal court" , "Bring a criminal action against" , "Carry out assessment" , "Practise" , "Take legal action" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app