Resistance before training heartlessly is cut (9)

From Daily Telegraph Cryptic 31273, 14D

14D — Resistance before training heartlessly is cut (9)REDUCTION

  • Definition
    Definition found: 'cut' — A straight synonym for the answer sits at one end of the clue — which single word could simply mean the answer?
  • Indicator
    Indicator found: 'heartlessly'
  • Operation
    'heartlessly' signals a deletion operation
  • Fodder
    Fodder: 'training'
  • Abbreviation
    Abbreviations spotted: 'Resistance' → R
  • Synonym
    Synonyms spotted: 'training' → EDUCATION
  • Assembly
    R + (EDUCATION - A > EDUCTION) = REDUCTION

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