Crossword Genius

Put one’s foot in it — small gardening tool? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shoe

'put one's foot in it' is the definition.
(shoes are worn on feet)

'small gardening tool?' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'gardening tool?' becomes 'hoe' (hoes are used for gardening).
's'+'hoe'='SHOE'

(Other definitions for shoe that I've seen before include "Perhaps casual" , "Hose (anag)" , "pump, say" , "What one needs for a horse" , "9 maybe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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