Severe former partner on time about to meet this writer (7)

I believe the answer is:

extreme

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'severe' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'former partner on time about to meet this writer' is the wordplay.
'former partner' becomes 'ex' (an ex-partner).
'on' becomes 're' (regarding).
'time about' becomes 't' (abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'about' bit.).
'to meet' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'this writer' becomes 'me' (the person who is writing these clues).
're' put after 't' is 'tre'.
'ex'+'tre'+'me'='EXTREME'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for extreme that I've seen before include "Drastic -- limit" , "Point furthest away" , "Immoderate" , "Ultimate" , "Exceptional - maximum - farthest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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