Crossword Genius

What's taken up by chef in kitchen? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

knife

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'what's taken up' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'chef in kitchen?' is the wordplay.
'KNIFE' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for knife that I've seen before include "Eating utensil" , "Cut" , "Cutlery item" , "Sharp tool" , "Silent killer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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