Crossword Genius

Cutting fish, worker holds end of kipper (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trenchant

'cutting' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fish worker holds end of kipper' is the wordplay.
'fish' becomes 'tench' (tench is a kind of fish**).
'worker' becomes 'ant' (worker is a type of ant).
'holds' is an insertion indicator.
'end of' indicates one should take the final letters.
The final letter of 'kipper' is 'r'.
'tench'+'ant'='tenchant'
'tenchant' placed around 'r' is 'TRENCHANT'.

(Other definitions for trenchant that I've seen before include "Incisive in style" , "Vigorous and effective" , "Showing keenness" , "Acerbic" , "Keen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.