Crossword Genius

In the end, hesitates and peels back earring (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sleeper

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

'earring' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in the end hesitates and peels back' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'peels' is 'sleep' which is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'er' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sleeper that I've seen before include "Long-inactive secret agent" , "One who's out" , "One who slumbers" , "film not successful at first" , "Somnolent person or beam under railway track" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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