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Home too soon, going round in a serious way (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earnestly

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'in a serious way' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'home too soon going round' is the wordplay.
'home' becomes 'nest' (a bird's home).
'too soon' becomes 'early' (earlier than required).
'going round' means one lot of letters goes inside another (some letters go around others).
'nest' put inside 'early' is 'EARNESTLY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earnestly that I've seen before include "Sincerely and seriously" , "with gusto" , "Showing commitment" , "Showing serious intent" , "Relent, say, in sincere and serious manner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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