Crossword Genius

Ill-temper shown by a girl in a muddle (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

meanness

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

'ill-temper shown' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'a girl in a muddle' is the wordplay.
'a girl' becomes 'anne' (girl's name).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'a muddle' becomes 'mess' (synonyms).
'anne' going inside 'mess' is 'MEANNESS'.

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for meanness that I've seen before include "significant failure of charity" , "spite" , "Lack of generosity" , "Scrooge-like quality" , "Miserly quality" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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