Crossword Genius

See rust as the hard outer part (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crust

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'the hard outer part' is the definition.
'crust' can be an answer for 'part' (crust is a kind of part). I am not certain of the 'the hard outer' bit.

'see rust' is the wordplay.
'see' becomes 'C' (the word for the letter, according to Chambers).
'c'+'rust'='CRUST'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crust that I've seen before include "Tough part of twenty two down" , "Hard outer coating" , "Bit of toast, perhaps" , "Earth's outer layer" , "Pie covering" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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