Steer the short way (5)

I believe the answer is:

terse

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'short way' is the definition.
'terse' can be an answer for 'short' (terse can mean short or brusque). I'm not certain of the 'way' bit.

'steer' is the wordplay.
'steer' anagrams to 'TERSE'.
However, I am not clear how this is indicated.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for terse that I've seen before include "Short and sharp" , "Curt - abrupt" , "Crisp and brief" , "Trees (anag.)" , "Sparing with words; abrupt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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