Crossword Genius

Sharp odour rising over skivvy (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

observant

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'sharp' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'odour rising over skivvy' is the wordplay.
'odour' becomes 'B.O.' (B.O. is an example).
'rising' says the letters should be written backwards (letters written upwards in a down clue).
'over skivvy' becomes 'servant' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'bo' reversed gives 'ob'.
'ob'+'servant'='OBSERVANT'

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(Other definitions for observant that I've seen before include "following religious practices" , "aware of surroundings" , "Good at noticing" , "Quick to notice things" , "adhering to religious practices" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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