Crossword Genius

Biting insect not half minor in producing irritations (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tickles

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

'producing irritations' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'biting insect not half minor' is the wordplay.
'biting insect' becomes 'tick' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'biting' bit.).
'not half' suggests halving the letters.
'minor' becomes 'lesser' (I've seen this before).
'lesser' with half the letters taken is 'les'.
'tick'+'les'='TICKLES'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tickles that I've seen before include "Excites" , "Light touches that cause laughter" , "Soft touches" , "Amuses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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