Crossword Genius

What could cut Bush down to size was brought about after dispute in outskirts of Pyongyang (7,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pruning saw

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'what could cut bush down to size' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'was brought about after dispute in outskirts of pyongyang' is the wordplay.
'brought about' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'dispute' becomes 'runin' (run-in is a kind of dispute).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'outskirts of' means to remove the middle letters (only letters on the outskirts).
'pyongyang' with its centre removed is 'pg'.
'was' written backwards gives 'saw'.
'runin' placed inside 'pg' is 'pruning'.
'saw' put after 'pruning' is 'PRUNING-SAW'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app