Crossword Genius

Extremely decisive number of people prepare to step on the gas? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

declutch

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'people prepare to step on the gas?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'extremely decisive number' is the wordplay.
'extremely' means to remove the middle letters (only the extremes of the word are used).
'number' becomes 'clutch' (I have seen 'number of eggs' mean 'clutch' so perhaps 'number' could also mean 'clutch').
'decisive' with its centre removed is 'de'.
'de'+'clutch'='DECLUTCH'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for declutch that I've seen before include "Drivers may do it often" , "Disengage a vehicle drive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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