Crossword Genius

Intellectual day ahead (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

don

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'intellectual' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'day ahead' is the wordplay.
'day' becomes 'd' (abbreviation for day).
'ahead' becomes 'on' (synonyms).
'd'+'on'='DON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for don that I've seen before include "- - Giovanni, 26" , "Put on the learned man" , "A mafia chief or Spanish grandee" , "Spanish nobleman" , "A Mafia chief like Corleone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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