Crossword Genius

Fear of finishing last by mistake (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

terror

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'fear of finishing' is the definition.
'terror' can be an answer for 'fear' (terror is a kind of fear). I am not certain of the 'of finishing' bit.

'last by mistake' is the wordplay.
'last' becomes 't' (I've seen this in other clues).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'mistake' becomes 'error' (synonyms).
't'+'error'='TERROR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for terror that I've seen before include "Sheer fright" , "Fear - mischievous child" , "Extreme fright or dread" , "Ovewhelming fear" , "Organised political violence" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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