Crossword Genius

Quick-firing motto (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maxim

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'motto' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

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(Other definitions for maxim that I've seen before include "Saw - type of gun" , "Short pithy statement" , "Proverb, aphorism" , "Saying, adage" , "Gorky saw" .)

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