Crossword Genius

A much revered figure (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

idol

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

'a much revered figure' is the definition.
'idol' can be an answer for 'figure' (I've seen this before). I also know that 'revered' relates to this answer.

'revered figure' is the wordplay.
'revered' becomes 'ido' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'figure' becomes 'l' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ido'+'l'='IDOL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for idol that I've seen before include "One much admired" , "'Worshipped object, admired person (4)'" , "Object of reverence" , "Worshipped statue" , "Graven image or greatly admired person" .)

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