Crossword Genius

Woodcutter's cat — spotted (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whipsaw

'woodcutter's' is the definition.
(a whipsaw cuts wood)

'cat spotted' is the wordplay.
'cat' becomes 'whip' (cat o' nine tails or cat is a type of whip).
'spotted' becomes 'saw' (I've seen this in another clue).
'whip'+'saw'='WHIPSAW'

(Other definitions for whipsaw that I've seen before include "something that cuts both ways" , "means of making cuts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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