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Secretarial skill is little help (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shorthand

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'secretarial skill' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'little help' is the wordplay.
'little' becomes 'short' (similar in meaning).
'help' becomes 'hand' (hand is a kind of help).
'short'+'hand'='SHORTHAND'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shorthand that I've seen before include "Method of abbreviated writing" , "Pitman's invention" , "writing style" , "Recorded words" , "aid to office work?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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