Crossword Genius

Overripe herb on the game (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

badminton

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'game' is the definition.
(badminton is a kind of game)

'overripe herb on' is the wordplay.
'overripe' becomes 'bad' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'herb' becomes 'mint' (mint is a kind of herb).
'bad'+'mint'+'on'='BADMINTON'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for badminton that I've seen before include "Racket game with shuttlecock" , "Racquet sport" , "in which rackets are involved" , "Game played with rackets" , "A sport; Beaufort seat" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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