Crossword Genius

Irate hack dealt out a punishing blow (1,5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

a thick ear

'a punishing blow' is the definition.
(being hit on the ear)

'irate hack dealt out' is the wordplay.
'dealt out' indicates an anagram (letters dealt out or distributed).
'irate'+'hack'='iratehack'
'iratehack' is an anagram of 'A THICK EAR'.

(Other definitions for a thick ear that I've seen before include "Swift retribution" , "Punishment" , "Punishing blow" , "that makes for a good harvest?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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