Crossword Genius

I'm surprised to be truly engaged, always (4,1,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

well i never

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'i'm surprised to' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'truly engaged always' is the wordplay.
'truly engaged' becomes 'wellin' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'always' becomes 'ever' (synonyms).
'wellin'+'ever'='WELL I NEVER!'

'be' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for well i never that I've seen before include "That's hard to believe!" , "Always sick, me?" , "That surprises me!" , "The call of the malingerer" , "that comes as a great shock" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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