Crossword Genius

Extremely awkward, failing to get tips (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

advice

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

'get tips' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'extremely awkward failing' is the wordplay.
'extremely' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters) (only the extremes of the word are used).
'failing' becomes 'vice' (vice can mean a moral failing).
'awkward' with its middle taken out is 'ad'.
'ad'+'vice'='ADVICE'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for advice that I've seen before include "Opinion offered as to future action" , "Supposedly wise words" , "Intelligence" , "Formal notice" , "Supposed words of wisdom" .)

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