Crossword Genius

They are timid yet pipe up (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deer

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'they are timid' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.

'pipe up' is the wordplay.
'pipe' becomes 'reed pipe' (reed pipe is a kind of pipe).
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'reed' written backwards gives 'DEER'.

'yet' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deer that I've seen before include "Like a power switch" , "maybe does" , "Antler-bearing animal" , "Antlered mammal" , "Perhaps fallow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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