Crossword Genius

Like compulsive buyer heading out in rage? (7,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hopping mad

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'like' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'compulsive buyer heading out in rage?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'in' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hopping mad that I've seen before include "Very irate" , "like a kangaroo?" , "In a terrible rage" , "in angry mood" , "Extremely angry (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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