Crossword Genius

That’s the case model has to lift (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tis

'that's the case' is the definition.
(contraction of 'it is')

'model has to lift' is the wordplay.
'model' becomes 'sit' (e.g. for a painting).
'has to lift' is a reversal indicator (in a down clue, letters go up).
'sit' backwards is 'TIS'.

(Other definitions for tis that I've seen before include "Pacific trees" , "I confirm the identity of" , "McCourt work" , "It is shortened" , "Sequel to "Angela's Ashes"" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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