Crossword Genius

I may get old, but still an admired figure (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

idol

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

'an admired figure' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'i may get old but still' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'i' is within the answer.
an anagram of 'old' is 'dol' which is within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for idol that I've seen before include "Subject of adoration, may be graven" , "Film star" , "Object of excessive adoration" , "Honoured figure" , "Effigy" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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