Sweet listener, in conclusion (9)

I believe the answer is:

endearing

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'sweet' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'listener in conclusion' is the wordplay.
'listener' becomes 'ear' (body part which hears or listens).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'conclusion' becomes 'ending' (synonyms).
'ear' put into 'ending' is 'ENDEARING'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for endearing that I've seen before include "delightful" , "Charming" , "Engaging" , "Inspiring affection" , "Disarming" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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