Crossword Genius

Operatic composer who might almost have become a brewer (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

weber

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

'operatic composer' is the definition.
'weber' can be an answer for 'composer' (Carl Maria von Weber was a German composer). I am unsure of the 'operatic' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for weber that I've seen before include "physics unit" , "Opera composer" , "Composer of Der Freischutz, d. 1826" , "bit of magnetism" , "Composer; physicist" .)

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