Taking the plunge, Nero usurped them revealing how unkind he could be (10)

I believe the answer is:

ungenerous

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'taking' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'plunge nero usurped them revealing how unkind he could be' is the wordplay.
'UNGENEROUS' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ungenerous that I've seen before include "Mean" , "despising charity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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