This promise kept by irascible fox (9,6)

I believe the answer is:

crossword puzzle

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'this promise kept by irascible fox' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'promise kept by irascible fox' is the wordplay.
'promise' becomes 'word' (as in 'I give you my word').
'kept by' is an insertion indicator.
'irascible' becomes 'cross' (I've seen this in another clue).
'fox' becomes 'puzzle' (synonyms).
'cross'+'puzzle'='crosspuzzle'
'word' inserted into 'crosspuzzle' is 'CROSSWORD PUZZLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for crossword puzzle that I've seen is " This".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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