Crossword Genius

Cut south at all times (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sever

'cut' is the definition.
(severing is a kind of cutting)

'south at all times' is the wordplay.
'south' becomes 's' ('S' can be a synonym of 'south').
'at all times' becomes 'ever' ('ever' can be a synonym of 'at all times').
's'+'ever'='SEVER'

(Other definitions for sever that I've seen before include "Cut apart, maybe a relationship" , "Cleave" , "Put an end to (connection or relationship)" , "Cut into parts" , "Verse (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app