Crossword Genius

Solemnly declare fool never stopped eating (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asseverate

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

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

'fool never stopped eating' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'fool' could be 'ass' (both can mean a stupid person) and 'ass' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for asseverate that I've seen before include "Solemnly declare" , "Solemnly say" , "State categorically" , "Swear" , "Claim" .)

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