Crossword Genius

Small meal by day, then abstinence. Very committed (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steadfast

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

'very committed' is the definition.
'steadfast' can be an answer for 'committed' (thesaurus). I'm not sure about the 'very' bit.

'small meal by day then abstinence' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'meal' becomes 'tea' (tea is a kind of meal).
'by day' becomes 'd' (abbreviation for day. I am not sure about the 'by' bit.).
'then' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'abstinence' becomes 'fast' (fast is a kind of abstinence).
's'+'tea'+'d'+'fast'='STEADFAST'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for steadfast that I've seen before include "Resolute, unwavering" , "Dedicated" , "stable" , "Firm and dependable" , "Constant and resolute" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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