Crossword Genius

The ability to be soft on a debtor? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

power

'the ability' is the definition.
('power' can be a synonym of 'ability')

'soft on a debtor?' is the wordplay.
'soft' becomes 'p' (musical abbreviation for 'piano').
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'a debtor?' becomes 'ower' (I've seen this in another clue).
'p'+'ower'='POWER'

'to be' is the link.

(Other definitions for power that I've seen before include "Large amount" , "Strength - capacity" , "Strength, force" , "Supply with energy" , "Supremacy, force" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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