Crossword Genius

Passer-by fits in short supply (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sparse

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'in short supply' is the definition.
(sparse can mean meagre or minimal)

'passer-by fits' is the wordplay.
'passer' anagrams to 'SPARSE'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sparse that I've seen before include "Rare" , "Far from lavish" , "Meagre, scanty" , "Not much" , "One's not at all thick" .)

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