Crossword Genius

Bare need to pinch bottom ignored (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tonic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ignored' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'bare need to pinch bottom' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'to' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'nic' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tonic that I've seen before include "medicinal preparation" , "An enlivener" , "Important note" , "something nice and fresh" , "Key" .)

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