Crossword Genius

We give a hoot if swell lot messes about with it (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

little owls

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'we give a hoot' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'swell lot messes about with it' is the wordplay.
'messes about with' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'messed about' mean this).
'swell'+'lot'='swelllot'
'swelllot' anagrammed with 'it' makes 'LITTLE OWLS'.

'if' acts as a link.

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