Small branch snapped by male fawn (5)

I believe the answer is:

smarm

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

'small branch snapped by male fawn' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'small branch' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 'sm'.
'branch' becomes 'arm' (synonyms).
'sm'+'arm'='SMARM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smarm that I've seen before include "Obsequious flattery" , "oil" , "Smooth talking" , "Fawning" , "Superficially ingratiating behaviour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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