Small bird in water (6)

I believe the answer is:

petite

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

'small bird in water' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'small bird in water' is the wordplay.
'small bird' becomes 'tit' (I've seen this before).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'water' becomes 'pee' ('pee' can be a synonym of 'water'**).
'tit' inserted within 'pee' is 'PETITE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for petite that I've seen before include "Little French" , "Small and attractive" , "Small, slim (girl)" , "Short" , "Tie pet up, being small and dainty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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