Crossword Genius

European apparently doing well at Open, making cut (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pare

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

'cut' is the definition.
(paring is a kind of cutting)

'european apparently doing well at open' is the wordplay.
'PARE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'making' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pare that I've seen before include "Trim by cutting" , "Shave, say, pencil" , "Trim off in layers" , "Shave or peel" , "Whittle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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