Crossword Genius

Left-winger, but not a wet (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

moist

'wet' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'left-winger but not a' is the wordplay.
'left-winger' becomes 'maoist' (follower of Mao Tse-Tung).
'but not' suggests deleting specific letters.
'maoist' with 'a' taken away is 'MOIST'.

(Other definitions for moist that I've seen before include "Affected by tears, perhaps" , "Damp or clammy" , "sloppy" , "lubricated" , "Damp, humid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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