Show always to back a certain number (6)

I believe the answer is:

reveal

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'show' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'always to back a certain number' is the wordplay.
'always' becomes 'ever' (synonyms).
'to back' is a reversal indicator.
'certain number' becomes 'l' (L is an example. I am not sure about the 'certain' bit.).
'ever' back-to-front is 'reve'.
'reve'+'a'+'l'='REVEAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reveal that I've seen before include "let out" , "Expose, divulge" , "window, in part" , "Remove cover, unveil" , "Leaver (anag.)" .)

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