Crossword Genius

Had tried to, as a son should (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sought

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

'had tried to' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'a son should' is the wordplay.
'a son' becomes 's' (genealogical abbreviation for son).
'should' becomes 'ought' (synonyms).
's'+'ought'='SOUGHT'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sought that I've seen before include "Tried to find" , "Searched for - investigated - desired" , "Wanted" , "Attempted to find" , "Looked for" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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