Crossword Genius

Wily learner in shady environs (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sly

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'wily' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'learner in shady environs' is the wordplay.
'learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'shady environs' becomes 'sy' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'l' going within 'sy' is 'SLY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sly that I've seen before include "Cunning; surreptitious" , "'Crafty, cunning (3)'" , "'Cunning, wily (3)'" , "Devious, cunning" , "Sneaky" .)

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