Crossword Genius

In brief, given to being low on staff (5-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

short-handed

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'low on staff' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'in brief given' is the wordplay.
'in brief' becomes 'short' (similar in meaning. I am not sure about the 'in' bit.).
'given' becomes 'handed' ('hand' can be a synonym of 'give').
'short'+'handed'='SHORT-HANDED'

'to being' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for short-handed that I've seen before include "needing more staff" , "need of more staff" , "Not having enough staff" , "Lacking sufficient staff" .)

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