Crossword Genius

Jack cheers Romeo (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tar

'jack' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'cheers romeo' is the wordplay.
'cheers' becomes 'ta' (I've seen this in other clues).
'romeo' becomes 'r' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'ta'+'r'='TAR'

(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Naval man" , "Crewman" , "Thick flammable liquid" , "Mariner, old salt" , "Cigarette substance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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