Crossword Genius

Cursing having no dogs is no good (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sin

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'cursing having' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'no dogs is no good' is the wordplay.
'no' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation).
'dogs' means one lot of letters go next to another (dogs can mean follows or chases).
'no good' indicates anagramming the letters (no good can mean faulty or defective).
'is' anagrammed gives 'si'.
'n' put after 'si' is 'SIN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sin that I've seen before include "Breach of moral code" , "Serious transgression" , "Go astray" , "grave offence" , "Wickedness" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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