Crossword Genius

Blunder initially riles boss (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gaffer

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

'boss' is the definition.
(gaffer can informally mean a boss)

'blunder initially riles' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'blunder' could be 'gaffe' (gaffe is a kind of blunder) and 'gaffe' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gaffer that I've seen before include "one prone to blunder socially?" , "Informal boss or foreman" , "Foreperson of a work squad" , "An old person" , "man in charge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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