Crossword Genius

Ripples caused by pussyfoot? (4-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cats-paw

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'ripples caused' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'by pussyfoot?' is the wordplay.
'by' becomes 'cats' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'pussyfoot?' becomes 'paw' (I've seen this in another clue).
'cats'+'paw'='CATS-PAW'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cats-paw that I've seen before include "Person used to do something risky - with feline fool?" , "Person used by another for an unpleasant purpose" , "Person used by another to gain an end" , "Someone used by another" , "Person used by another to do something risky, like feline foot" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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