Ross Sect might be the most cranky (8)
I believe the answer is:
crossest
'most cranky' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are superlative adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'ross sect might be' is the wordplay.
'might be' indicates an anagram.
'ross'+'sect'='rosssect'
'rosssect' with letters rearranged gives 'CROSSEST'.
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for crossest that I've seen is " most annoyed".)
I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app