Crossword Genius

Make love with partner after what starts off like mad (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doolally

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'starts off like mad' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'make love with partner after' is the wordplay.
'make love with' becomes 'dool' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'partner' becomes 'ally' (I've seen this in another clue).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'dool'+'ally'='DOOLALLY'

'what' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for doolally that I've seen before include "Overexcited (informal)" , "Out of one's mind" , "potty" , "Mentally unbalanced, crazy" , "Out to lunch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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