Crossword Genius

Sharp enough to cut keys out (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acute

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

'sharp' is the definition.
(I know that sharp can be written as acute)

'enough to cut keys out' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'to cut' could be 'cut' and 'cut' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ae' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for acute that I've seen before include "Keen, good or sharp, senses say" , "Keen; severe" , "not seen in cafe here!" , "Canny" , "Shrewd; severe" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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