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

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

Substitute for axes (5)

Times Cryptic #28236 | 28 Across | 2022-03-12 flower

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Also seen in

Independent Cryptic #12100 (2025-07-21) Guardian Cryptic #27498 (2018-05-02)