Crossword Genius

Intense skill, circling where animal hides (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ardent

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

'skill circling where animal hides' is the wordplay.
'skill' becomes 'art' (both can mean a talent).
'circling' indicates putting letters inside (circling can mean going around or containing).
'where animal hides' becomes 'den' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'art' enclosing 'den' is 'ARDENT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ardent that I've seen before include "Fiery and zealous" , "Burning, passionate" , "Hot" , "Passionate, fervent" , "full of zeal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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