Crossword Genius

A handy pointer (5,6)

Ross

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6

5,6

index finger

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

'handy pointer' is the wordplay.
'handy' becomes 'index' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'pointer' becomes 'finger' (a finger may point at things).
'index'+'finger'='INDEX FINGER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for index finger that I've seen before include "Pointer" , "Digit normally used to point" , "Pointing digit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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