Crossword Genius

Foolish lover to finish little inspired by Romeo? On the contrary (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dotard

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'foolish lover' is the definition.
(someone who dotes on a lover)

'finish little inspired by romeo? on the contrary' is the wordplay.
'finish' becomes 'do'.
'little inspired by romeo?' becomes 'drat' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'on the contrary' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (letters in the opposite or contrary direction).
'drat' reversed gives 'tard'.
'do'+'tard'='DOTARD'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dotard that I've seen before include "Weak or senile person" , "Weak old person" , "Senile fellow" , "Person whose age has impaired their intellect" , "Person who is weak-minded, especially through senility" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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