Crossword Genius

Cut spikes up (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snip

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

'spikes up' is the wordplay.
'spikes' becomes 'pins' (pinning is a kind of spiking).
'up' is a reversal indicator (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'pins' written backwards gives 'SNIP'.

(Other definitions for snip that I've seen before include "Bargain (informal)" , "Cut with scissors in small strokes" , "Quick cut - something easily done" , "Surprisingly cheap item" , "Cut with scissors - bargain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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