Crossword Genius

Serious-minded listener has a comfortable retreat (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earnest

'serious-minded' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'listener has a comfortable retreat' is the wordplay.
'listener' becomes 'ear' (body part which hears or listens).
'has' says to put letters next to each other.
'a comfortable retreat' becomes 'nest'.
'ear'+'nest'='EARNEST'

(Other definitions for earnest that I've seen before include "Serious - money deposit" , "See 1" , "Art deserving" , "Showing sincere and intense conviction" , "'Serious, sincere (7)'" .)

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