Crossword Genius

Barb avoids odd fiend's bullets (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

insult

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'barb' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'odd fiend's bullets' is the wordplay.
'odd' means one should take alternating letters.
'fiends'+'bullets'='fiendsbullets'
The alternate letters of 'fiendsbullets' are 'INSULT'.

'avoids' acts as a link.
This may not be right. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for insult that I've seen before include "Speak or act inm abusive way" , "Speak or act in way designed to hurt" , "Affront, offend" , "Slander" , "Treat disrespectfully" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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