Crossword Genius

Having a better aim, say, finish getting into small opening (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steadier

'having a better aim say' is the definition.

'finish getting into small opening' is the wordplay.
'finish' becomes 'die'.
'getting into' indicates putting letters inside.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'opening' becomes 'tear' (tear is a kind of opening**).
's'+'tear'='stear'
'die' put inside 'stear' is 'STEADIER'.

(Other definitions for steadier that I've seen before include "stabilising device" , "Better balanced" , "More regular or constant" , "Less liable to fluctuate" , "More stable, being readiest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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