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Polish partner leans back? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spit

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'polish partner' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'leans back?' is the wordplay.
'leans' becomes 'tips' ('tip' can be a synonym of 'lean').
'back?' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (I've seen 'back' mean this).
'tips' in reverse letter order is 'SPIT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spit that I've seen before include "A spade's depth, in earth" , ".Thin rod for impaling meat to be roasted" , "cook a roast?" , "Cooking device - strong likeness" , "double, perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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