Crossword Genius

Enormity of single action in the American heart (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ugliness

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'american heart' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'enormity of single action in' is the wordplay.
'enormity of' becomes 'us' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'action' is an anagram indicator.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'single' is an anagram of 'glines'.
'us' going around 'glines' is 'UGLINESS'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ugliness that I've seen before include "Complete absence of beauty" , "threatening behaviour" , "Unattractive quality" , "Unattractiveness" , "Quality that gives no pleasure to the senses" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.