Crossword Genius

Rankles runner taking in run around ... (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

irks

'rankles' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'runner taking in run around' is the wordplay.
'runner' becomes 'ski' (something which 'runs', ie moves quickly on snow).
'taking in' indicates putting letters inside.
'run' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'around' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'ski' going around 'r' is 'skri'.
'skri' in reverse letter order is 'IRKS'.

(Other definitions for irks that I've seen before include "Annoys, irritates" , "Galls" , "'Irritate, annoy (4)'" , "Annoys, vexes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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