Bright but cold bar (6)

I believe the answer is:

clever

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

'bright' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'but cold bar' is the wordplay.
'but cold' becomes 'c' (eg on taps. I am not sure about the 'but' bit.**).
'bar' becomes 'lever' (lever is a kind of bar).
'c'+'lever'='CLEVER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clever that I've seen before include "Bright, quick-witted, intelligent" , "Adroit, ingenious" , "brilliant" , "Mentally or physically skilful" , "Smart or quick at learning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app