Crossword Genius

Wangles flipper as leg flaps (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

finagles

'wangles' is the definition.
('finagle' can be a synonym of 'wangle')

'flipper as leg flaps' is the wordplay.
'flipper' becomes 'fin' (synonyms).
'flaps' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'flapping' mean this (flap can mean to move or fly around)).
'as'+'leg'='asleg'
'asleg' with letters rearranged gives 'agles'.
'fin'+'agles'='FINAGLES'

(Another definition for finagles that I've seen is " Uses trickery".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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