Crossword Genius

Superlatively clever as an anagram for instance? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

canniest

'superlatively clever' is the definition.

'an anagram for instance?' is the wordplay.
'an anagram for' indicates anagramming the letters.
'instance' with letters rearranged gives 'CANNIEST'.

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for canniest that I've seen before include "Instance (anag)" , "Shrewdest sort of ancients" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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