Crossword Genius

Note strain for lover (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mistress

'lover' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'note strain' is the wordplay.
'note' becomes 'mi' (as in 'do re mi').
'strain' becomes 'stress' (synonyms).
'mi'+'stress'='MISTRESS'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for mistress that I've seen before include "Lady" , "Quickly, maybe" , "Husband's paramour" , "Fancy woman" , "Female teacher" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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