Crossword Genius

Serious cut close to ankle (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

severe

'serious' is the definition.
('severe' can be a synonym of 'serious')

'cut close to ankle' is the wordplay.
'cut' becomes 'sever' (severing is a kind of cutting).
'close to' indicates one should take the final letters (the close/ending of).
The final letter of 'ankle' is 'e'.
'sever'+'e'='SEVERE'

(Other definitions for severe that I've seen before include "Unsparing and uncompromising" , "Austere, harsh (6)" , "Austere, serious" , "'Strict, harsh (6)'" , "Extreme and difficult to endure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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