Crossword Genius

Peevishness I shall moderate (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ill temper

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

'peevishness' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both feelings as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'i shall moderate' is the wordplay.
'i shall' becomes 'ill' (contraction of 'I will').
'moderate' becomes 'temper' (synonyms).
'ill'+'temper'='ILL TEMPER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ill temper that I've seen before include "black humour" , "Irritability" , "Surliness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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