Crossword Genius

Not neutral in dealing shuffle (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aligned

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'not neutral' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'dealing shuffle' is the wordplay.
'shuffle' is an anagram indicator.
'dealing' with letters rearranged gives 'ALIGNED'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aligned that I've seen before include "joined forces" , "Linearly positioned" , "Brought into the correct relationship (with)" , "Dealing (anag) - straight?" , "Arranged in rows" .)

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