To which there may well be a smashing reply! (3)

I believe the answer is:

lob

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'reply' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lob that I've seen before include "Loft" , "Lofted ball" , "Throw ball in high arc" , "Chuck" , "Shot of Murray" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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