Crossword Genius

Cut legs when retreating (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snip

'cut' is the definition.
(snip is a kind of cut)

'legs when retreating' is the wordplay.
'legs' becomes 'pins' (pin is a kind of leg).
'when retreating' says the letters should be written backwards.
'pins' in reverse letter order is 'SNIP'.

(Other definitions for snip that I've seen before include "Bargain (informal)" , "Cut back" , "Cut - prune" , "Cut with scissors in small strokes" , "nick)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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