Crossword Genius

Cutting remark made by hairdresser without hesitation (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

barb

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

'hairdresser without hesitation' is the wordplay.
'hairdresser' becomes 'barber' (barber is a kind of hairdresser).
'without' is a deletion indicator.
'hesitation' becomes 'er'.
'barber' with 'er' taken away is 'BARB'.

'made by' is the link.

(Other definitions for barb that I've seen before include "Backward-pointing part of a fish hook" , "Deliberately hurtful remark" , "Cruel remark" , "Point of fish-hook - gibe" , "Sharp spike pointing backward" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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