Crossword Genius

Not the longest part of an aggressive speech (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

broadside

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'an aggressive speech' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'not the longest part' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'not' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is found within the answer.
'part' could be 'side' (side is a kind of part) and 'side' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'brad' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for broadside that I've seen before include "criticism" , "Fierce verbal attack" , "Strongly critical verbal attack" , "barrage" , "Strong verbal attack on sideboard" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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