Crossword Genius

Liberal friend across German river (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

moderate

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

'liberal' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'friend across german river' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'mate' (mate is a kind of friend).
'across' indicates putting letters inside.
'german river' becomes 'oder' (River Oder in central Europe).
'mate' going around 'oder' is 'MODERATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for moderate that I've seen before include "Dare me to (anag) - act as an arbitrator" , "Reduce" , "Not extreme - not very good" , "not going to extremes" , "Not excessively right- or left-wing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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