Crossword Genius

Piercing wit from a private eye? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shaft

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This clue might be a double definition.

'piercing wit' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'a private eye?' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shaft that I've seen before include "Spear handle; ray of sun" , "Ray of light; spear" , "Beam - well" , "Beam of light" , "Ray (of light), access to mine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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