Crossword Genius

Understudy hides small ear piece, perhaps? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stud

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

'piece perhaps?' is the definition.
'stud' can be an answer for 'piece' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'perhaps?' bit.

'understudy hides small ear' is the wordplay.
'STUD' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stud that I've seen before include "Football boot peg" , "Dot" , "Type of poker, a collar and a farm" , "virile fellow" , "Collar button or horse farm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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