Crossword Genius

Direction a crafty type might take that's laughable heading off (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aft

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'off' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'direction a crafty type might take that's laughable heading' is the wordplay.
'AFT' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aft that I've seen before include "Toward's a ship's stern" , "Astern" , "Towards the stern of a boat" , "Toward the stern of a boat" , "Near the stern" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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