Crossword Genius

Daughter with musical ability certainly not going for a song! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dear

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

'certainly not going for a song' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'daughter with musical ability' is the wordplay.
'daughter' becomes 'd' (genealogical abbreviation).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'musical ability' becomes 'ear' (I've seen this before).
'd'+'ear'='DEAR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dear that I've seen before include "Honey - costly" , "Costly (but loved!)" , "Darling" , "Pricey" , "Baby" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app