Crossword Genius

Humdrum reporter saying it’s useful for cutting (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hacksaw

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

'useful for cutting' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'humdrum reporter saying' is the wordplay.
'humdrum reporter' becomes 'hack' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'saying' becomes 'saw' (saw is a kind of saying).
'hack'+'saw'='HACKSAW'

'it's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hacksaw that I've seen before include "One cuts" , "metalworker may use?" , "something to cut copper?" , "something cutting" , "means of cutting lead article?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.