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Listener following close win (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endear

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'win' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.

'listener following close' is the wordplay.
'listener' becomes 'ear' (body part which hears or listens).
'following' says to put letters next to each other.
'close' becomes 'end' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ear' after 'end' is 'ENDEAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for endear that I've seen before include "Delight - please" , "ingratiate" , "Make lovable or please" , "Cause to like" , "Charm, captivate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Guardian.
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