Crossword Genius

Very little notice about hard border (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shrimpy

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'very little' is the definition.
'shrimpy' can be an answer for 'little' (similar in meaning). I'm not certain of the 'very' bit.

'notice about hard border' is the wordplay.
'notice' becomes 'spy' (spy can mean to notice or observe).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'border' becomes 'rim' (both can mean an edge).
'h'+'rim'='hrim'
'spy' going around 'hrim' is 'SHRIMPY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for shrimpy that I've seen is " of a puny sort".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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