An indistinct impression of untidiness (6)

I believe the answer is:

smudge

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'an indistinct impression' is the definition.
'smudge' can be an answer for 'impression' (I have seen 'blurred impression' mean 'smudge' so perhaps 'impression' could also mean 'smudge'). I am not certain of the 'an indistinct' bit.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smudge that I've seen before include "Blur, blot" , "A dirty or blurred mark" , "A smeared mark or stain" , "A blemish made by dirt" , "Indistinct mark" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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