Crossword Genius

I'm excited, finally: Alfred Russel Wallace to attempt charm (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wheedle

'attempt charm' is the definition.

'i'm excited finally alfred russel wallace' is the wordplay.
'i'm excited' becomes 'whee' (interjection).
'finally' suggests the final letters.
The final letters of 'alfred russel wallace' are 'dle'.
'whee'+'dle'='WHEEDLE'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for wheedle that I've seen before include "Seek to persuade" , "Cajole or attempt to persuade by flattery" , "Deploy sweet talk" , "Get by coaxing, flattery" , "Wheeled around to coax" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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