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Associated affairs maybe ending in disaster, one in mess (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

triangle

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

'associated affairs' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'ending in disaster one in mess' is the wordplay.
'ending in' indicates one should take the final letters.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'mess' becomes 'tangle' (I've seen this in another clue).
The last letter of 'disaster' is 'r'.
'r'+'i'='ri'
'ri' put inside 'tangle' is 'TRIANGLE'.

'maybe' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for triangle that I've seen before include "Geometric shape (eternal, maybe)" , "Three-sided figure (maths)" , "Three-sided percussion instrument" , "complex romantic situation?" , "Simple percussion instrument" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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