Crossword Genius

Adversary cut story short in early stage of development (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

foetal

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'in early stage of development' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'adversary cut story' is the wordplay.
'adversary' becomes 'foe' (I've seen this before).
'cut' means to remove the last letter.
'story' becomes 'tale' (synonyms).
'tale' with its final letter taken off is 'tal'.
'foe'+'tal'='FOETAL'

'short' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for foetal that I've seen before include "Relating to unborn child" , "Relating to an unborn in the later stages of development" , "regarding developing creature?" , "defensive position" , "Relating to the baby in the womb" .)

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