Crossword Genius

I wager this could be an unpleasant flatterer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earwig

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

'an unpleasant flatterer' is the definition.
'earwig' can be an answer for 'flatterer' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'an unpleasant' bit.

'i wager this could be' is the wordplay.
'this could be' indicates an anagram.
'i'+'wager'='iwager'
'iwager' anagrammed gives 'EARWIG'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earwig that I've seen before include "An insect; to eavesdrop (slang)" , "Insect with large rear pincers" , "flatterer" , "Common garden insect" , "Small insect with aural toupee?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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