Crossword Genius

Top manager removing four (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

execute

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'top' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.

'manager removing four' is the wordplay.
'manager' becomes 'exec' (I've seen this before).
'removing four' becomes 'ute' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'exec'+'ute'='EXECUTE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for execute that I've seen before include "Maybe send to chair" , "Carry output to death" , "ice" , "Carry out or kill legally" , "Finish off" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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