Crossword Genius

Unhappy with clothes first, say (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

low gear

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'say' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'unhappy with clothes' is the wordplay.
'unhappy' becomes 'low'.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'clothes' becomes 'gear' (I've seen this before).
'low'+'gear'='LOW GEAR'

'first' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for low gear that I've seen before include "which is needed for hills" , "Engine (uphill) setting" , "Shoes and socks" , "one crawls along in?" , "Car setting for hills" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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