Crossword Genius

Awkward part of puzzle cut, oddly messy (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clumsy

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'awkward' is the definition.
(I know that awkward can be written as clumsy)

'part of puzzle cut oddly messy' is the wordplay.
'part of puzzle cut' becomes 'clu' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'oddly' indicates alternate letters (letters in the odd-numbered positions are used).
The alternating letters of 'messy' are 'msy'.
'clu'+'msy'='CLUMSY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clumsy that I've seen before include "Not dextrous" , "Cack-handed" , "Awkward in movement" , "Awkward and unskilful" , "Lacking grace in movement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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