Crossword Genius

Tears into epitaphs (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rips

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This might be a double definition.

'tears' is the first definition.
('rip' can be a synonym of 'tear')

'epitaphs' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'into' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rips that I've seen before include "Tears violently" , "cuts" .)

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