Crossword Genius

We give a hoot if swell lot messes about with it (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

little owls

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'we give a hoot' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'swell lot messes about with it' is the wordplay.
'messes about with' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'messing about' mean this).
'swell'+'lot'='swelllot'
'swelllot' anagrammed with 'it' can make 'LITTLE OWLS'.

'if' is the link.

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