Cut force at work here (4)

I believe the answer is:

nick

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

But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for nick that I've seen before include "Clink" , "Cop shop" , "In the .... of time; just made it" , "Small boy" , "Little fellow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app