Crossword Genius

It's near breaking up and showing distress (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in tears

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

'showing distress' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'it's near breaking up' is the wordplay.
'breaking up' indicates an anagram.
'its'+'near'='itsnear'
'itsnear' with letters rearranged gives 'IN TEARS'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in tears that I've seen before include "Very unhappy" , "Crying" , "Maudlin" , "Weeping" , "sadly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app