Crossword Genius

Solicitor’s heartless motto: to be in credit (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cadger

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'solicitor's' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'heartless motto to be in credit' is the wordplay.
'heartless' suggests removing the centre.
'motto' becomes 'adage' (I've seen this in another clue).
'to be in' indicates putting letters inside.
'credit' becomes 'cr' (abbreviation).
'adage' with its centre taken out is 'adge'.
'adge' placed inside 'cr' is 'CADGER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cadger that I've seen before include "Sponger" , "Graced with scrounger" , "One who scrounges and begs" , "Scrounger, moocher" , "Scrounger seeking help" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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