Crossword Genius

Liking to surpass a celestial event (7,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

partial eclipse

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

'a celestial event' is the definition.
'partial eclipse' can be an answer for 'event' (partial eclipse is a kind of event). I'm not certain of the 'a celestial' bit.

'liking to surpass' is the wordplay.
'liking' becomes 'partial' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to surpass' becomes 'eclipse' (eclipsing is a kind of surpassing).
'partial'+'eclipse'='PARTIAL ECLIPSE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for partial eclipse that I've seen before include "Heavenly event" , "Sun's incomplete coverage" , "that limits star's appearance" , "blockout without full effect" , "perhaps, of ominous event?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app