Just the chap to figure ahead (3)
I believe the answer is:
don
'figure ahead' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for don that I've seen before include "A mafia chief or Spanish lord" , "and 13 Down: Mozart opera" , "Member of university" , "Spanish male title" , "Nod off like Mafia chief" .)