Sharp pilot with habitual mannerism (6)
I believe the answer is:
acetic
'sharp' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are adjectives, I can't see how they can define each other.
'pilot with habitual mannerism' is the wordplay.
'pilot' becomes 'ace' (term for military pilot).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'habitual mannerism' becomes 'tic' (I've seen this in another clue. I am not sure about the 'habitual' bit.).
'ace'+'tic'='ACETIC'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for acetic that I've seen before include "Saucy'" , "really sour" , "Vinegary acid" , "Vinegar-like" , "Like the acid in vinegar" .)