Crossword Genius

Long time back, Everyman's included as potential success (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nominee

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'potential success' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'long time back everyman's included' is the wordplay.
'long time' becomes 'eon' (eon is a kind of long time).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'everyman's' becomes 'mine' (where the crossword setter is 'Everyman').
'included' indicates putting letters inside.
'eon' written backwards gives 'noe'.
'noe' enclosing 'mine' is 'NOMINEE'.

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nominee that I've seen before include "One named to act for another" , "someone to act for them" , "he may shield one" , "One named as candidate" , "No real owner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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