Crossword Genius

A conservative all one's life? (5,2,3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

right to the end

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

'one's life?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'a conservative all' is the wordplay.
'a conservative' becomes 'right' (I've seen this before).
'all' becomes 'totheend' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'right'+'totheend'='RIGHT TO THE END'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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