Crossword Genius

Newts somewhat bereft, sadly (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

efts

'newts' is the definition.
(eft is a kind of newt)

'somewhat bereft sadly' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' indicates a hidden word.
'EFTS' can be found hidden inside 'bereft sadly'.

(Other definitions for efts that I've seen before include "Kind of newts" , "Amphibians" , "Old lizards" , "Baby newts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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