Crossword Genius

Seaman, then another seaman cut ankle bone? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tarsal

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

'ankle bone?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'seaman then another seaman cut' is the wordplay.
'seaman' becomes 'tar' (Jack Tar is an informal term for a sailor).
'then another seaman cut' becomes 'sal' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'tar'+'sal'='TARSAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tarsal that I've seen before include "Of the bones making up the foot" , "One of the seven ankle bones" , "Foot bone" , "To do with bones of upper foot" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app