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Finally, orchid first lady prunes grows stronger (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

develops

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'grows stronger' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'finally orchid first lady prunes' is the wordplay.
'finally' suggests the final letters.
'first lady' becomes 'eve' (Biblical first woman).
'prunes' becomes 'lops' ('lop' can be a synonym of 'prune').
The final letter of 'orchid' is 'd'.
'd'+'eve'+'lops'='DEVELOPS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for develops that I've seen before include "Grows, increases or evolves" , "Evolves or matures" , "'Evolves, grows (8)'" , "Grows or formulates" , "Becomes more mature or advanced" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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