Crossword Genius

Witty remark about a jolly groundhog (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marmot

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'groundhog' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'witty remark about a jolly' is the wordplay.
'witty remark' becomes 'mot' (I've seen this in another clue).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'jolly' becomes 'RM' (jolly can mean a Royal Marine).
'a'+'rm'='arm'
'mot' placed around 'arm' is 'MARMOT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for marmot that I've seen before include "Coarse-furred burrowing rodent" , "Large burrowing rodent" , "Stout, burrowing rodent" , "Small burrowing animal of the squirrel family" , "wild rodent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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