Crossword Genius

Ape? I'm worried to follow it (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

imitate

'ape?' is the definition.
('imitate' can be a synonym of 'ape')

'i'm worried to follow it' is the wordplay.
'worried' becomes 'ate' (something worrying may eat someone up).
'to follow' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'ate' after 'it' is 'itate'.
'im'+'itate'='IMITATE'

(Other definitions for imitate that I've seen before include "Copy (mannerisms)" , "Mimic or follow as a model" , "Copy, simulate" , "'Ape, copy (7)'" , "Mock" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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