Crossword Genius

Cut and cut around middle of patterns (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shorten

'cut' is the definition.
(shortening is a kind of cutting)

'cut around middle of patterns' is the wordplay.
'cut' becomes 'shorn' ('shorn' can be a synonym of 'cut'**).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'middle of' means to look at the middle letters.
The centre of 'patterns' is 'te'.
'shorn' enclosing 'te' is 'SHORTEN'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for shorten that I've seen before include "Make less long" , "Abridge" , "Truncate" , "Clip" , "Put extra fat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.