Crossword Genius

A few always blocking cut in demand (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

several

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'a few' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'always blocking cut in demand' is the wordplay.
'always' becomes 'ever' (synonyms).
'blocking' indicates putting letters inside (block can mean to plug a gap in something).
'cut in demand' becomes 'sal' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'ever' placed into 'sal' is 'SEVERAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for several that I've seen before include "Various, sundry" , "Divers" , "Indefinite number more than two or three, but not many" , "quite a lot" , "Reveals (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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