Crossword Genius

Arrive close to the top (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

end up

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

'arrive' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'close to the top' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'close' could be 'end' (close can mean to end or finish) and 'end' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'up' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for end up that I've seen before include "Eventually find oneself" , "Come to rest" , "Arrive (at); finish (with)" , "on your head, maybe" , "head first" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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