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It's earned working to curry favour (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endear

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'curry favour' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'it's earned working' is the wordplay.
'working' indicates anagramming the letters.
'earned' anagrammed gives 'ENDEAR'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for endear that I've seen before include "Arouse affection" , "Evoke love - charm" , "Charm, captivate" , "make sweet" , "Make popular" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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