Crossword Genius

Take in too much conversation, perhaps, as eavesdropper may (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

overhear

'take in' is the definition.
(I know that take in can be written as overhear)

'too much conversation perhaps as eavesdropper may' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'too much' could be 'over' (I've seen this before) and 'over' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'hear' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

(Other definitions for overhear that I've seen before include "Pick up" , "Inadvertently catch" , "broadcasts in this area" , "Earwig" , "Listen accidentally without speaker's knowledge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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