Crossword Genius

Relative, endlessly strict and formidable mater? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grandmaster

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'formidable mater?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'relative endlessly strict' is the wordplay.
'relative' becomes 'grandma' (grandma is a kind of relative).
'endlessly' means to remove the last letter.
'strict' becomes 'stern' (synonyms).
'stern' with its final letter taken off is 'ster'.
'grandma'+'ster'='GRANDMASTER'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grandmaster that I've seen before include "Chess player of the highest class" , "Exceptional player" , "a wizard with his pieces?" , "expert at playing pieces" , "Senior chess player - senior mason" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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