Crossword Genius

Struggle in US city after a success (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agony

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'struggle' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'us city after a success' is the wordplay.
'us city' becomes 'NY' (short for New York).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'success' becomes 'go' (I've seen this in other clues).
'a'+'go'='ago'
'ny' after 'ago' is 'AGONY'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agony that I've seen before include "sort of aunt" , "Suffering - anguish" , "Terrible pain" , "Extreme pain" , "Severe pain, mental or physical" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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