Crossword Genius

Caribbean refectory after vacation carrying little meat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wiry

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

'carrying little meat' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'caribbean refectory after vacation' is the wordplay.
'caribbean' becomes 'wi' (I've seen this in other clues).
'after vacation' suggests removing the centre (the inside letters must vacate).
'refectory' with its centre removed is 'ry'.
'wi'+'ry'='WIRY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wiry that I've seen before include "with coarse hair" , "Lean, tough, sinewy" , "strong and slim" , "Strong and flexible" , "Slender but strong and agile" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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