Crossword Genius

Enthuse as Doctor John returns (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drool

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

'enthuse' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't see how one could define the other.

'doctor john returns' is the wordplay.
'doctor' becomes 'Dr' (abbreviation).
'john' becomes 'loo' (loo is a kind of john).
'returns' is a reversal indicator.
'loo' backwards is 'ool'.
'dr'+'ool'='DROOL'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drool that I've seen before include "Spill saliva" , "Show excitement" , "Dogs may" , "Slaver - drivel" , "Slobber" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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