No day for clever amphibian (3)

I believe the answer is:

eft

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'amphibian' is the definition.
(eft is a kind of amphibian)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for eft that I've seen before include "Small amphibian" , "Swimmer with feeble legs" , "Juvenile newt" , "Kind of newt found in clefts" , "Newt (archaic)" .)

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

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