Crossword Genius

Success securing student ideal of perfection (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bloom

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

'ideal of perfection' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'success securing student' is the wordplay.
'success' becomes 'boom'.
'securing' is an insertion indicator.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'boom' enclosing 'l' is 'BLOOM'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bloom that I've seen before include "Orlando" , "Produce flowers" , "Coat (lens); flower" , "Flourish" , "look good" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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