Crossword Genius

Spray knocks antelope back after short jump (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sprinkle

'spray knocks' is the definition.
'sprinkle' can be an answer for 'spray' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'knocks' bit.

'antelope back after short jump' is the wordplay.
'antelope' becomes 'elk'.
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'short' means to remove the last letter.
'jump' becomes 'sprint'.
'elk' reversed gives 'kle'.
'sprint' with its final letter taken off is 'sprin'.
'kle' after 'sprin' is 'SPRINKLE'.

(Other definitions for sprinkle that I've seen before include "Disperse in small drops, like water on garden" , "Some 8s [RAINDROP]" , "Drizzle" , "Scatter liquid in small drops" , "Apply drops of water to" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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