Crossword Genius

Once hit in crash, vulnerable (2,4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on thin ice

'vulnerable' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'once hit in crash' is the wordplay.
'crash' indicates an anagram.
'once'+'hit'+'in'='oncehitin'
'oncehitin' is an anagram of 'ON THIN ICE'.

(Other definitions for on thin ice that I've seen before include "like a daredevil skater?" , "In a risky situation" , "At risk" , "In a dangerous situation" , "sailing close to the wind?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app