Crossword Genius

In cold capital cross the most exciting part (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

climax

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

'most exciting part' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'in cold capital cross' is the wordplay.
'in cold' becomes 'c' (eg on taps. I am not sure about the 'in' bit.).
'capital' becomes 'lima' (capital of Peru).
'cross' becomes 'x' (an X is a cross).
'c'+'lima'+'x'='CLIMAX'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for climax that I've seen before include "Peak of a performance" , "Crux, turning point" , "Most intense point" , "Most exciting point" , "Most intense moment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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