Crossword Genius

Sneakily picked up things from kit that's unopened and apparently locked? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earwigged

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

'sneakily picked up things' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'kit that's unopened and apparently locked?' is the wordplay.
'kit' becomes 'gear' (I've seen this before).
'that's unopened' means to remove the first letter (the opening of the word is removed).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'apparently locked?' becomes 'wigged' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'gear' with its first letter taken off is 'ear'.
'ear'+'wigged'='EARWIGGED'

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earwigged that I've seen before include "Listened" , "Overheard" , "Eavesdropped" , "Illicitly picked up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.