Crossword Genius

Reach maturity and readiness to scoff? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ripen

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

'reach maturity' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'and readiness to scoff?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ripe' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ripen that I've seen before include "Get ready to open" , "Mature, develop" , "come near to falling" , "Make ready" , "Come to maturity like fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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