Crossword Genius

Most inept class, with hesitation, is backing establishment (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clumsiest

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'most inept' is the definition.
('clumsy' can be a synonym of 'inept')

'class with hesitation is backing establishment' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'class' could be 'cl' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'cl' is found within the answer.
'hesitation' could be 'um' (um is said in hesitation) and 'um' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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