Challenging lover when left out (6)

I believe the answer is:

daring

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'challenging' is the definition.
(daring is a kind of challenging)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for daring that I've seen before include "Derring-do" , "Take (control)" , "Intrepid" , "'Adventurous, bold (6)'" , "Challenging or defying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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