Crossword Genius

Sure to use small tricks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruses

'tricks' is the definition.
(a ruse is a trick or ploy)

'sure to use small' is the wordplay.
'to use' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'using' mean this (the letters used in a different way)).
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'sure' anagrammed gives 'ruse'.
'ruse'+'s'='RUSES'

(Other definitions for ruses that I've seen before include "Tricks or deceptions" , "Dodges" , "'Stratagems, tricks (5)'" , "Cunning plans" , "Clever plans designed to deceive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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