Crossword Genius

Reckless guy may rip when absent (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tearaway

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

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

'guy may rip when absent' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'rip' could be 'tear' (synonyms) and 'tear' is located in the answer.
'absent' could be 'away' (similar in meaning) and 'away' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tearaway that I've seen before include "Might I stir" , "Reckless and impetuous person" , "Delinquent" , "Unruly, impetuous person" , "Rough" .)

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