Paper cut section showing brief sharp comment (6)

I believe the answer is:

apercu

'brief sharp comment' is the definition.
(an apercu is a short, clever comment)

'paper cut section showing' is the wordplay.
'showing' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'APERCU' is hidden within 'paper cut section'.

(Other definitions for apercu that I've seen before include "Illuminating or entertaining point (from French)" , "summary, insight; race up (anag.)" , "Brief sketch, outline" , "Illuminating comment, race up (anag.)" , "Witty remark" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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