Crossword Genius

Suitable old exercise regimen involving bit of netting (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

expedient

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

'old exercise regimen involving bit of netting' is the wordplay.
'old' becomes 'ex'.
'exercise' becomes 'pe' (Physical Education).
'regimen' becomes 'diet' (I've seen this before).
'involving' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'bit of netting' becomes 'n' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'diet' placed around 'n' is 'dient'.
'ex'+'pe'+'dient'='EXPEDIENT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for expedient that I've seen before include "Suited to the circumstances" , "Suitable or appropriate" , "Serving to promote one's interest" , "Suitable for the circumstances rather than just" , "Fitting" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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