Crossword Genius

Not very many spotted in safe waters (1,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

a few

'not very many' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'spotted in safe waters' is the wordplay.
'spotted in' indicates a hidden word.
'A FEW' can be found hidden inside 'safe waters'.

(Other definitions for a few that I've seen before include "Certainly not many" , "Sundry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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