Crossword Genius

It fixes stage up (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gel

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'it fixes' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'stage up' is the wordplay.
'stage' becomes 'leg' (a leg is a stage of a competition).
'up' is a reversal indicator (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'leg' backwards is 'GEL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gel that I've seen before include "stiffen" , "Hair-dressing preparation" , "Leg (anag.)" , "Become jelly-like" , "Mousse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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