Crossword Genius

Means to study toes' layout (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

denotes

'means' is the definition.
(denoting is a kind of meaning)

'study toes' layout' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'den' (term for a study or office).
'layout' indicates an anagram (an alternative layout of the letters).
'toes' anagrammed gives 'otes'.
'den'+'otes'='DENOTES'

'to' acts as a link.

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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