Crossword Genius

Gain success over one's better half once a year (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

winter

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

'a year' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to time as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'gain success over one's better half' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'gain' could be 'win' (win is a kind of gain) and 'win' is located in the answer.
'better half' could be 'ter' and 'ter' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'once' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for winter that I've seen before include "'If . . . . . . comes, can spring be far behind?'" , "'Now is the . . . . . . of our discontent' (Richard III)" , "Cold period" , "period of freeze?" , "Coldest season" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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