Crossword Genius

Surpass old cubicle, so to speak (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excel

'surpass' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'old cubicle so to speak' is the wordplay.
'old' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'cubicle' becomes 'cell' (synonyms).
'so to speak' shows a homophone (sound like).
'cell' sounds like 'cel'.
'ex'+'cel'='EXCEL'

(Other definitions for excel that I've seen before include "Do particularly well" , "Do brilliantly" , "Outdo" , "Outrival" , "Be exceptionally good (at a subject)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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