Crossword Genius

Fascinate by taking front off hedge (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rivet

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'fascinate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'by taking front off hedge' is the wordplay.
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'front' says to take the initial letters.
'off hedge' becomes 'rive' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
The first letter of 'taking' is 't'.
't' after 'rive' is 'RIVET'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rivet that I've seen before include "fix" , "Metal pin; engross" , "Heavy fastening pin with head and hammered end" , "Clinch - bolt" , "make fast" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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