Crossword Genius

Back up writer embracing student out in the open (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

public

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'in the open' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'back up writer embracing student' is the wordplay.
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'writer' becomes 'bic' (kind of pen).
'embracing' is an insertion indicator.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'up' backwards is 'pu'.
'bic' placed around 'l' is 'blic'.
'pu'+'blic'='PUBLIC'

'out' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for public that I've seen before include "well known" , "Community in the open?" , "This house is licensed to sell alcohol" , "Unconcealed" , "Open to everyone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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