Crossword Genius

The most modern in a couple of ways? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

newest

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'the most modern' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'in a couple of ways?' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'a couple of' becomes 'newt' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ways?' becomes 'es' (east and south - two directions).
'newt' placed around 'es' is 'NEWEST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for newest that I've seen before include "Freshest, most recent" , "most up-to-date" , "Most pristine or latest" , "Freshest, most modern" , "Most recent or least worn" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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