A number of ways to cut a corner (7)
I believe the answer is:
several
'a number of' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'ways to cut a corner' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'cut' could be 'sever' (to sever is to cut or split) and 'sever' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for several that I've seen before include "Sundry, distinct" , "A good few" , "Various, sundry" , "three or four" , "More than one or two" .)