Crossword Genius

Short end of the stick of green wood (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

raw deal

'short end of the stick' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'green wood' is the wordplay.
'green' becomes 'raw' (synonyms).
'wood' becomes 'deal' (deal is a kind of wood).
'raw'+'deal'='RAW DEAL'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for raw deal that I've seen before include "Poor bargain" , "Poor treatment" , "cruel treatment" , "that's a bit rough" , "Unfair arrangement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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