What does the cryptic crossword clue "Substitute for axes (5)" mean?

The definition is "Substitute". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). PRO (abbreviation="for") + XY (abbreviation="axes") = PROXY; definition: "Substitute" The answer is PROXY.

Substitute for axes (5)

Guardian Cryptic #27498 | 8 Across | 2018-05-02 flower

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Independent Cryptic #12100 (2025-07-21) Times Cryptic #28236 (2022-03-12)