Crossword Genius

Caught, gutted by disastrous run (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

direct

'run' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'caught gutted by disastrous' is the wordplay.
'gutted' suggests removing the centre (to gut something is to remove its insides).
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'disastrous' becomes 'dire' (I've seen this before).
'caught' with its middle removed is 'ct'.
'ct' after 'dire' is 'DIRECT'.

(Other definitions for direct that I've seen before include "Outspoken" , "Guide the actors in plays and films" , "Straight and to the point" , "Immediate; organise (e.g. play)" , "Show someone the way" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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