Hacks one off the right joints (7)

I believe the answer is:

rankles

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'hacks one off' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'right joints' is the wordplay.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'joints' becomes 'ankles' (ankle is a kind of joint).
'r'+'ankles'='RANKLES'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rankles that I've seen before include "Riles" , "Causes lasting and bitter annoyance" , "Goes on vexing" , "Continues to hurt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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