Crossword Genius

Cruel having done away with girl? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruthless

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'cruel' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'done away with girl?' is the wordplay.
'done away' becomes 'less' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'girl?' becomes 'ruth' (girl's name).
'less' put after 'ruth' is 'RUTHLESS'.

'having' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ruthless that I've seen before include "Unmerciful" , "nasty" , "Hard-hearted" , "Harsh" , "Without pity or compassion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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