Crossword Genius

Sand blaster in my opinion cuts small round marks (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

simoom

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'sand blaster' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'in my opinion cuts small round marks' is the wordplay.
'in my opinion' becomes 'imo' (common abbreviation).
'cuts' indicates putting letters inside (some letters cut their way into other letters).
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'round' becomes 'o' (round can mean a round object).
'marks' becomes 'M' (former German currency).
's'+'o'='so'
'imo' going within 'so' is 'simoo'.
'simoo'+'m'='SIMOOM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for simoom that I've seen before include "Violent sand-laden desert wind - so I'm Mo (anag)" , "a blow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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