Cut not totally cruel (5)

I believe the answer is:

sever

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'cut' is the definition.
(I know that sever is a type of cut)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for sever that I've seen before include "Cut off suddenly" , "Divide, cut" , "Verse (anag)" , "Cut or break off, perhaps a relationship" , "Divorce" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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