Crossword Genius

Bridge repair, one very often short? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crosspatch

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

'one very often short?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'bridge repair' is the wordplay.
'bridge' becomes 'cross' (I've seen this in other clues).
'repair' becomes 'patch' (patching is a kind of repairing).
'cross'+'patch'='CROSSPATCH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crosspatch that I've seen before include "peevish person" , "Grump" , "Irascible type" , "Ill-tempered person" , "Curmudgeon" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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