Crossword Genius

Fine fabric, but it looks weak (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lame

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

'fine fabric' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'it looks weak' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'lam' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'but' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lame that I've seen before include "Unable to walk without difficulty" , "Feeble; cripple" , "Disabled in leg or foot" , "Weak kind of excuse for halting walk" , "Rubbish" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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