Does it hurt to be clever? (5)
I believe the answer is:
smart
'be clever?' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'does it hurt' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found in the answer.
'hurt' could be 'mar' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'mar' is found in the answer.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for smart that I've seen before include "Alick" , "Fine" , "Clever or dapper" , "Quick; tidy; sting" , "Chic; sting" .)