Crossword Genius

Hot under the collar attorney fails to get one? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ratty

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'hot' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ratty that I've seen before include "One messing about in a boat" , "character on the river bank" , "Characteristic of pest" , "his friend being a dangerous driver" , "Moley's friend" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
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