Crossword Genius

Stronger judge taking pass away (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

headier

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'stronger' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are comparative adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'judge taking pass away' is the wordplay.
'judge' becomes 'hear' (as in to hear a court case).
'taking' indicates putting letters inside.
'pass away' becomes 'die' (synonyms).
'hear' placed around 'die' is 'HEADIER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for headier that I've seen is " More intoxicating".)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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