Crossword Genius

Excel as strategist away on common (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

outgeneral

'excel as strategist' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'away on common' is the wordplay.
'away' becomes 'out' ('out' can be a synonym of 'away').
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'common' becomes 'general' (I've seen this before**).
'out'+'general'='OUTGENERAL'

(Other definitions for outgeneral that I've seen before include "Excel strategically" , "Excel as strategist" , "Surpass in strategy" , "overcome by superior tactics" .)

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