Crossword Genius

European editor describes sophisticated performance, maybe (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

polished

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

'sophisticated performance maybe' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'european editor' is the wordplay.
'european' becomes 'polish' (Poland is in Europe).
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'polish'+'ed'='POLISHED'

'describes' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for polished that I've seen before include "Shiny; rubbed" , "Genteel - flawless" , "Highly accomplished" , "Shining or refined" , "Made shiny and smooth" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app