Crossword Genius

Tips second half over the sewage (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cesspit

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'sewage' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'tips second half over' is the wordplay.
'half' suggests halving the letters.
'over' is a reversal indicator.
'second' halved is 'sec'.
'tips'+'sec'='tipssec'
'tipssec' in reverse letter order is 'CESSPIT'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cesspit that I've seen before include "Sump" , "Foul and squalid place" , "means of waste disposal" , "Sewage receptacle" , "Place for filthy water" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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