Crossword Genius

Give a hand to Friends making comeback (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

slap

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'give a hand' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'friends making comeback' is the wordplay.
'friends' becomes 'pals' (pal is a kind of friend).
'making comeback' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'pals' backwards is 'SLAP'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for slap that I've seen before include "Right" , "Hit with a flat hand" , "Hit with an open hand" , "Blow with open hand" , "Hit with the palm" .)

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