Crossword Genius

Tear back again as it's more fully matured (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

riper

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

'it's more fully matured' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'tear back again' is the wordplay.
'tear' becomes 'rip' (ripping is a kind of tearing).
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'again' becomes 're'.
're' written backwards gives 'er'.
'rip'+'er'='RIPER'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for riper that I've seen before include "On the way to getting mellow" , "More prepared" , "like a better mousetrap?" , "More mature and ready to be eaten" , "More suitable for picking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sydney Morning Herald.
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