Crossword Genius

Oddly neglected fiances kiss saucy amateur (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inexpert

'amateur' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'oddly neglected fiances kiss saucy' is the wordplay.
'oddly neglected' means one should take alternating letters.
'kiss' becomes 'x'.
'saucy' becomes 'pert' ('pert' can be a synonym of 'saucy').
The alternating letters of 'fiances' are 'ine'.
'ine'+'x'+'pert'='INEXPERT'

(Other definitions for inexpert that I've seen before include "Not skilled or well-versed" , "Green" , "Clumsy" , "not clever" , "Unskilled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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