Cut? Is second in tally after cut (7)
I believe the answer is:
scissor
'cut' is the definition.
(I know that scissor is a more specific form of the action cut)
'cut? is second in tally' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'is' is within the answer.
'second' could be 's' (common abbreviation) and 's' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'after' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scissor that I've seen before include "Cut with two blades" , "Carved" .)