Crossword Genius

Brief confusion concluded, made a chum (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

befriended

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'made a chum' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'brief confusion concluded' is the wordplay.
'confusion' indicates anagramming the letters.
'concluded' becomes 'ended' (synonyms).
'brief' anagrammed gives 'befri'.
'befri'+'ended'='BEFRIENDED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for befriended that I've seen before include "assisted?" , "Treated as ally" , "Became mates with (someone)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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