Crossword Genius

Reel about, in short, clearly (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sheerly

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

'clearly' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'reel about in short' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates anagramming the letters.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'short' becomes 'shy' (I've seen this in other clues).
'reel' is an anagram of 'eerl'.
'eerl' placed within 'shy' is 'SHEERLY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app