Crossword Genius

Deep ditch worker's cutting (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trenchant

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

'deep ditch worker's' is the wordplay.
'deep ditch' becomes 'trench' (I've seen this before).
'worker' becomes 'ant' (worker is a type of ant).
'trench'+'ant'='TRENCHANT'

(Other definitions for trenchant that I've seen before include "Keen" , "Clear-cut and hard-hitting" , "Scathing" , "caustic?" , "Fierce" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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