Crossword Genius

Pointers after end of construction contracts (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

narrows

'contracts' is the definition.
('narrow' can be a synonym of 'contract')

'pointers after end of construction' is the wordplay.
'pointers' becomes 'arrows' ('arrow' can be a synonym of 'pointer').
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'end of' says to take the final letters.
The last letter of 'construction' is 'n'.
'arrows' after 'n' is 'NARROWS'.

(Other definitions for narrows that I've seen before include "In space, restricts" , "Reduces in width" , "Confines" , "Constricts" , "Loses width" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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