Crossword Genius

Close to not having a tune (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airless

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

'close' is the definition.
(I know that close can be written as airless)

'not having a tune' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'not' could be 'less' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'less' is located in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for airless that I've seen before include "Lacking ventilation" , "not a breath of wind" , "Very stuffy" , "Close" , "Stifling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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