Crossword Genius

Mature to split with sweetheart? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ripe

'mature' is the definition.
('ripe' can be a synonym of 'mature')

'split with sweetheart?' is the wordplay.
'split' becomes 'rip' ('rip' can be a synonym of 'split'**).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'sweetheart?' becomes 'e' (the heart/centre of 'sweet').
'rip'+'e'='RIPE'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ripe that I've seen before include "Opportune" , "Fully grown, ready for eating" , "At fruition" , "Strong-smelling" , "Right" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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