Crossword Genius

Not caring for a book, pencil or phone (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abhorring

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'not caring' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with human feelings as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'book pencil or phone' is the wordplay.
'book pencil' becomes 'abh' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'phone' becomes 'ring' (to ring on the phone).
'abh'+'or'+'ring'='ABHORRING'

'for a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for abhorring that I've seen is " Loathing".)

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