Lively Frenchman about to turn in cut string (9)

I believe the answer is:

energetic

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'lively' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)

'frenchman about to turn in cut string' is the wordplay.
'frenchman' becomes 'rene' (common French name).
'about' says the letters should be written backwards.
'to turn' says the letters should be written backwards.
'in cut' becomes 'cite' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'string' becomes 'g'.
'rene' written backwards gives 'ener'.
'cite'+'g'='citeg'
'citeg' backwards is 'getic'.
'ener'+'getic'='ENERGETIC'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for energetic that I've seen before include "Brisk" , "Forceful and with great vitality" , "Forceful, vigorous" , "High-powered" , "Full of beans" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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