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We hear big fire may be here (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grate

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'fire may be here' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'we hear big' is the wordplay.
'we hear' shows a homophone (sound like).
'big' becomes 'great' (synonyms).
'great' sounds like 'GRATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grate that I've seen before include "Make a harsh rasping sound" , "Fireplace recess; rasp" , "Reduce to small shreds" , "Grind, rasp" , "Rasp; shred" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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