Crossword Genius

Troubled by taking a girl back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ailed

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'troubled by' is the definition.
'ailed' can be an answer for 'troubled' ('ail' can be a synonym of 'trouble'). I'm not certain of the 'by' bit.

'a girl back' is the wordplay.
'girl' becomes 'deli' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'deli' back-to-front is 'iled'.
'a'+'iled'='AILED'

'taking' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ailed that I've seen before include "Became sick" , "was giving trouble" , "Didn't feel well" , "Troubled" , "Was ill" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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