Crossword Genius

Finish challenge that's over long (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

complete

'finish' is the definition.
(I know that finish can be written as complete)

'challenge that's over long' is the wordplay.
'challenge' becomes 'compete' (to compete against someone is to challenge them).
'that's over' is an insertion indicator.
'long' becomes 'l'.
'compete' going around 'l' is 'COMPLETE'.

(Other definitions for complete that I've seen before include "Perfect - finish" , "Intact" , "Having all the necessary parts" , "Whole and unabridged" , "Full" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.