Crossword Genius

Almost fire socialist bully, one that can't be criticised (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sacred cow

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'can't be criticised' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'almost fire socialist bully one' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'fire' becomes 'sack' (dismiss someone from their job).
'socialist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean a socialist).
'bully one' becomes 'cow' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'sack' with its final letter taken off is 'sac'.
'sac'+'red'+'cow'='SACRED COW'

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sacred cow that I've seen before include "One immune to criticism" , "Institution not to be criticised" , "Hallowed bovine in India or revered institution" , "A hallowed institution like Indian bovine" , "lower in religion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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