Crossword Genius

Tweeted how vacuous coach spun sword, heading for duel (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cheeped

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'tweeted' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I don't see how one could define the other.

'vacuous coach spun sword heading for duel' is the wordplay.
'vacuous' suggests removing the centre.
'spun' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'sword' becomes 'epee' (sword used in fencing).
'heading for' indicates taking the first letters.
'coach' with its middle taken out is 'ch'.
The initial letter of 'duel' is 'd'.
'epee' written backwards gives 'eepe'.
'ch'+'eepe'+'d'='CHEEPED'

'how' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for cheeped that I've seen is " Made bird noises".)

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