Steer the short way (5)
I believe the answer is:
terse
'short way' is the definition.
'terse' can be an answer for 'short' (terse can mean short or brusque). I am unsure of the 'way' bit.
'steer' is the wordplay.
'steer' anagrams to 'TERSE'.
But, I am not clear how this is indicated.
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for terse that I've seen before include "Short and sharp" , "Curt - abrupt" , "Crisp and brief" , "Trees (anag.)" , "Sparing with words; abrupt" .)