Crossword Genius

Constant exercises and chap's in tears, nearly (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

permanent

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

'constant' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'exercises and chap's in tears nearly' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'exercises' could be 'pe' (Physical Education class) and 'pe' is located in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for permanent that I've seen before include "Meant to remain indefinitely" , "Everlasting" , "Fixed" , "Lasting, irreversible" , "Lasting, enduring" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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