Crossword Genius

Precious? Be certain to step round it! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treasured

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

'precious?' is the definition.
(I know that precious can be written as treasured)

'certain to step round it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'certain' could be 'sure' (synonyms) and 'sure' is located in the answer.
'step' could be 'tread' (synonyms) and 'tread' is found within the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'be' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for treasured that I've seen before include "Loved" , "Prized, precious" , "Valued" , "Chersihed, held dear" , "thought highly of" .)

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