Crossword Genius

Close to grave and terrible danger — get ready! (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

en garde

'get ready' is the definition.
(phrase used in fencing)

'close to grave and terrible danger' is the wordplay.
'close to' suggests the final letters (the close/ending of).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'terrible' indicates an anagram.
The last letter of 'grave' is 'e'.
'danger' anagrammed gives 'ngarde'.
'e'+'ngarde'='EN GARDE'

(Other definitions for en garde that I've seen before include "Fencer's warning cry" , "Get ready to fence" , "Words of warning" , "French opening position in fencing - protect yourself" , "(In fencing) in a defensive stance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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