Crossword Genius

Take a number back (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

net

'take' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'a number back' is the wordplay.
'a number' becomes 'ten' (ten is a kind of number).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ten' backwards is 'NET'.

(Other definitions for net that I've seen before include "It turns in every direction" , "What separates court opponents" , "device to divide the court" , "After taxes" , "Mesh; entrap" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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