Crossword Genius

Crooked case for Sherlock points to hint (4-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

skew-whiff

'crooked' is the definition.
(both can mean wonky)

'case for sherlock points to hint' is the wordplay.
'case for' means to remove the middle letters (the letters which encase the others are used).
'points' becomes 'ew' (east and west, two compass points).
'to hint' becomes 'whiff' (I've seen this in another clue).
'sherlock' with its centre removed is 'sk'.
'sk'+'ew'+'whiff'='SKEW-WHIFF'

(Other definitions for skew-whiff that I've seen before include "Awry" , "Not straight" , "Cockeyed" , "Crooked - out of alignment" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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