Crossword Genius

About to damage talisman (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

charm

'talisman' is the definition.
('charm' can be a synonym of 'talisman')

'about to damage' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for 'circa').
'to damage' becomes 'harm' ('harm' can be a synonym of 'damage'**).
'c'+'harm'='CHARM'

(Other definitions for charm that I've seen before include "For example, olde-worlde character" , "Appeal; trinket" , "Enrapture" , "Lure" , "Entice" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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