Crossword Genius

Not giving smart reply in the end (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stingy

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'not giving smart reply in the end' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'giving smart reply in the end' is the wordplay.
'giving' says to put letters next to each other.
'smart' becomes 'sting' (both can mean to burn or hurt).
'in the end' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'reply' is 'y'.
'sting' put next to 'y' is 'STINGY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stingy that I've seen before include "Mean and grudging" , "Informally mean like aggressive wasp?" , "Having deep pockets but short arms?" , "Mean, niggardly" , "Mean, parsimonious - ouch?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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