Crossword Genius

Come upon McIlroy there, for all to see (2,3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in the open

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'come upon mcilroy there' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'for all to see' is the wordplay.
'for all' becomes 'open' (I've seen this in another clue).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'see' becomes 'inthe' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'open' put after 'inthe' is 'IN THE OPEN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in the open that I've seen before include "Overtly" , "Laid bare" , "Made public" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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