Crossword Genius

Aim to anger snake first (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aspire

'aim' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'anger snake first' is the wordplay.
'anger' becomes 'ire' (ire is intense rage).
'snake' becomes 'asp' (asp is a kind of snake).
'first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'ire' after 'asp' is 'ASPIRE'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for aspire that I've seen before include "Have ambition (to achieve something)" , "Have lofty aims" , "Have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal" , "Aim, shoot for" , "Have ambitions (to achieve something)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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