Happened to fit iron in ring (6)

I believe the answer is:

befell

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'happened to' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fit iron in ring' is the wordplay.
'fit iron' becomes 'fe' (Fe is the chemical symbol for iron. I am not sure about the 'fit' bit.).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'ring' becomes 'bell' (both can mean to call on the phone).
'fe' put into 'bell' is 'BEFELL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for befell that I've seen before include "Happened, came to pass" , "Happened to (someone)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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