Something used in cutting mediocre journalist understood (7)

I believe the answer is:

hacksaw

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'something used in cutting' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'mediocre journalist understood' is the wordplay.
'mediocre journalist' becomes 'hack' (I've seen this before).
'understood' becomes 'saw' ('see' can be a synonym of 'understand').
'hack'+'saw'='HACKSAW'

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(Other definitions for hacksaw that I've seen before include "Metal-cutting tool" , "Blade in a frame under tension" , "cutting edge" , "7 for metal" , "Metal cutter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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