Crossword Genius

Surpass a large size, say (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excel

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'surpass' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for excel that I've seen before include "Do superbly well" , "Do really well, outshine others" , "well above average" , "surpass all others" , "cap" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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