Crossword Genius

Call The Oval every so often (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoa

'call' is the definition.
(call or cry of surprise)

'the oval every so often' is the wordplay.
'every so often' indicates alternate letters.
'the'+'oval'='theoval'
The alternating letters of 'theoval' are 'HOA'.

(Other definitions for hoa that I've seen before include "show moderation" , "Stop" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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