Crossword Genius

Cheap American couple taking a while (3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

two-bit

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'cheap' is the definition.
(two-bit can mean worthless or poor-quality)

'american couple taking a while' is the wordplay.
'american couple' becomes 'two' (two people or things. I am not sure about the 'american' bit.).
'taking' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a while' becomes 'bit' (both can mean an amount of time).
'two'+'bit'='TWO-BIT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for two-bit that I've seen before include "Cheap (US colloq.)" , "Cheap, worthless (US)" , "Paltry" , "Inferior - cheap" , "Cheap - insignificant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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