Crossword Genius

“Saw” for “see” say (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

proverb

'saw' is the definition.
(a saw can mean a proverb or maxim)

'for see say' is the wordplay.
'for' becomes 'pro' (as in being 'pro' or in favour of something).
'see say' becomes 'verb' ('see' is a verb).
'pro'+'verb'='PROVERB'

(Other definitions for proverb that I've seen before include "Pithy saying expressing a general truth" , "Familiar saying" , "Saying of great truth" , "Wise saying" , "Generally true saying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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