Crossword Genius

Almost excessively notice bro's friend (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toad

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

'bro's friend' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'almost excessively notice' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'excessively' becomes 'too' (to too great a degree).
'notice' becomes 'ad' (both can mean an advertisement).
'too' with its last letter taken off is 'to'.
'to'+'ad'='TOAD'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toad that I've seen before include "not found in Ireland" , "Wind in Willows motorist" , "Warty amphibian" , "Froglike animal or repulsive person" , "Contemptible person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app