Crossword Genius

Quick to carry a blade (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cleaver

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

'blade' is the definition.
(I know that cleaver is a type of kitchen knife)

'quick to carry a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
'quick' could be 'clever' (synonyms) and 'clever' is located in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cleaver that I've seen before include "Hatchet for chopping meat" , "A clever sort of axe" , "A butcher's chopping tool" , "Long-bladed hatchet" , "dangerous object?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.