Crossword Genius

No longer clear? Try and make it so (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

explain

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

'try and make it so' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'no longer clear?' is the wordplay.
'no longer' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'clear?' becomes 'plain' (similar in meaning).
'ex'+'plain'='EXPLAIN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for explain that I've seen before include "area affected by mountain formation?" , "offer clarification" , "Expound" , "Elucidate - define" , "Justify" .)

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