Crossword Genius

Made his Ben Hur intrinsically so long (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adieu

'so long' is the definition.
(both can mean goodbye)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for adieu that I've seen before include "Au revoir (to a kind friend?)" , "Farewell, adios" , "Farewel" , "Parting word" , "All the best" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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