Crossword Genius

Ninety in general to rise and shine (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excel

'shine' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'ninety in general to rise' is the wordplay.
'ninety' becomes 'XC' (Roman numerals).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'general' becomes 'Lee' (Robert E. Lee - US revolutionary commander).
'to rise' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'lee' reversed gives 'eel'.
'xc' inserted within 'eel' is 'EXCEL'.

'and' is the link.

(Other definitions for excel that I've seen before include "Perform outstandingly well" , "Outrival" , "Do really well, outshine others" , "Do particularly well" , "Be exceptionally good (at a subject)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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