Pay off in stages, it romanticises some of those returning (8)

I believe the answer is:

amortise

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'pay off' is the definition.
(amortising is a kind of paying off)

'stages it romanticises some of those returning' is the wordplay.
'AMORTISE' is hidden backwards within the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for amortise that I've seen before include "Liquidate gradually" , "Gradually write off initial costs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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