Crossword Genius

Tiny mule maybe but awkward (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

untimely

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'awkward' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'tiny mule maybe' is the wordplay.
'maybe' is an anagram indicator.
'tiny'+'mule'='tinymule'
'tinymule' anagrammed gives 'UNTIMELY'.

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for untimely that I've seen before include "Of death, coming too early" , "Of death, premature" , "Tiny mule being unsuitable or premature" , "Happening too soon, perhaps like death" , "Premature, too soon" .)

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