Steer the short way (5)

I believe the answer is:

terse

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'short way' is the definition.
'terse' can be an answer for 'short' (terse can mean short or brusque). I am unsure of the 'way' bit.

'steer' is the wordplay.
'steer' can be anagrammed to 'TERSE'.
However, I am not clear how this is indicated.

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for terse that I've seen before include "Short and sharp" , "Curt - abrupt" , "Crisp and brief" , "Trees (anag.)" , "Sparing with words; abrupt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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