Crossword Genius

Mature split with sweetheart (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ripe

'mature' is the definition.
(I know that mature can be written as ripe)

'split with sweetheart' is the wordplay.
'split' becomes 'rip' (synonyms).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'sweetheart' becomes 'e' (the middle letter or heart of 'sweet').
'rip'+'e'='RIPE'

(Other definitions for ripe that I've seen before include "Fully developed or matured" , "green? No!" , "Ready to harvest" , "Right" , "Mature, ready for eating" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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