Crossword Genius

Earth is, I suspect, at most risk (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hairiest

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

'at most risk' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'earth is i suspect' is the wordplay.
'suspect' is an anagram indicator (a suspicious or unusual spelling).
'earth'+'is'+'i'='earthisi'
'earthisi' with letters rearranged gives 'HAIRIEST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for hairiest that I've seen is " Most hirsute or slangily difficult".)

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