Crossword Genius

Be partially successful with appeal (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

winsome

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

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

'be partially successful with' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'partially' could be 'some' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'some' is located in the answer.
'successful' could be 'in' (similar in meaning) and 'in' is found within the answer.
'with' could be 'w' (short for with) and 'w' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for winsome that I've seen before include "Holding an appeal" , "Attractive and fresh" , "Attractive, engaging" , "Charming (in a childlike way?)" , "Charming, engaging" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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