Crossword Genius

Like mother, she's a beauty (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pearl

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

'beauty' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'like mother she's a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'she' could be 'perl' and 'perl' is found in the leftover letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pearl that I've seen before include "Off-white colour" , "Precious jewel from the oyster" , "White - jewel" , "Girl < , pretty" , "Smooth lustrous round structure of calcium carbonate" .)

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