Crossword Genius

Would a girl be not so cruel? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruthless

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

'cruel?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'would a girl be not' is the wordplay.
'would a girl' becomes 'ruth' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'be not' becomes 'less' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ruth'+'less'='RUTHLESS'

'so' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ruthless that I've seen before include "Callous" , "Unsparing" , "Showing no compassion" , "hard" , "Harsh" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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