Crossword Genius

Did he become immortal by looking both ways? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

janus

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

'immortal by looking both ways?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'did he' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'jan' and 'jan' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'us' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'become' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for janus that I've seen before include "Two-faced person" , "Two-faced god of gates and doors - Guardian cryptic crossword setter" , "Roman god of doors and beginnings" , "Roman god of doors, usually two-faced - a month is named for him" , "Roman deity who faces front and back" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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