Total amount returned (3)

I believe the answer is:

net

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'total' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'amount returned' is the wordplay.
'amount' becomes 'N' (N is an example).
'returned' becomes 'et' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'n'+'et'='NET'

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(Other definitions for net that I've seen before include "After expenses" , "Meshwork" , "Score a goal" , "Ultimate" , "Make" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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