Pinches and causes little cuts (5)
I believe the answer is:
nicks
'pinches' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nicks that I've seen before include "Tiny cuts" , "Small cuts" , "Small incisions; pinches" , "Slangily steals or notches" , "Takes" .)