Crossword Genius

Man about to chop a tree (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elm

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

'a tree' is the definition.
(I know that elm is a type of tree)

'man about to chop' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'm' (M is an abbreviation for male or masculine).
'about' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'to chop' becomes 'el' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'm' put after 'el' is 'ELM'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elm that I've seen before include "wooden" , "Hardwood tree" , "Large tree" , "Deciduous tree with light serrated leaves" , "Leaving body" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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