Chopper in test coming up short (3)
I believe the answer is:
axe
'chopper in test coming up short' is the definition.
'axe' can be an answer for 'chopper' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'in test coming up short' bit.
'chopper in test coming up short' is the wordplay.
'chopper' becomes 'ax'.
'in test coming up short' becomes 'e' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ax'+'e'='AXE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for axe that I've seen before include "Hack" , "Chopping tool with heavy blade" , "Fire weapon" , "flower in Devon" , "Terminate; chopper" .)