Crossword Genius

Chip away causing them to collapse from weariness (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flake out

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

'them to collapse from weariness' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'chip away' is the wordplay.
'chip' becomes 'flake' (synonyms).
'away' becomes 'out' (synonyms).
'flake'+'out'='FLAKE OUT'

'causing' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for flake out that I've seen is " Collapse through exhaustion".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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