Crossword Genius

Suitably pinching, heartlessly done with skill (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adeptly

'with skill' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'suitably pinching heartlessly done' is the wordplay.
'suitably' becomes 'aptly' (I've seen this before).
'pinching' indicates putting letters inside (taking inside).
'heartlessly' means to remove the middle letters.
'done' with its centre taken out is 'de'.
'aptly' placed around 'de' is 'ADEPTLY'.

(Other definitions for adeptly that I've seen before include "How experts act" , "Skilfully" , "Showing skill" , "with great skill" , "In a proficient manner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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