Crossword Genius

Break cover in a way with little hesitation (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shatter

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'break' is the definition.
(to break can mean to shatter)

'cover in a way with little hesitation' is the wordplay.
'cover' becomes 'hat' (cover for one's head).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'a way with' becomes 'st' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'little hesitation' becomes 'er' (expression of hesitation).
'hat' placed into 'st' is 'shatt'.
'shatt'+'er'='SHATTER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shatter that I've seen before include "Smash to pieces" , "Break into many bits" , "total" , "wreck" , "Threats (anag.)" .)

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