Crossword Genius

Fall first right away for figure in force (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

copper

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

'figure in force' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'fall first right away' is the wordplay.
'fall' becomes 'cropper' (I have seen 'Heavy fall' mean 'cropper' so perhaps 'fall' could also mean 'cropper').
'first right' becomes 'r' (1st letter of 'right').
'away' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'cropper' with 'r' taken away is 'COPPER'.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for copper that I've seen before include "PC" , "Chemical element, symbol Cu" , "old tub" , "Busy" , "Metallic element for a British policeman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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