Clever in a hurtful way? (5)
I believe the answer is:
smart
'clever' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'a hurtful way?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'way?' could be 's' (Compass direction - South) and 's' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mrt' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for smart that I've seen before include "it hurts!" , "Clean and stylish" , "Clever; sting" , "Well dressed" , "well-kept" .)