Crossword Genius

Tense attempt to describe optimism about what's coming (6,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

future perfect

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'tense attempt' is the definition.
'future perfect' can be an answer for 'tense' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'attempt' bit.

'describe optimism about what's coming' is the wordplay.
'describe optimism' becomes 'perfect' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'about' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'what's coming' becomes 'future' (similar in meaning).
'perfect' put after 'future' is 'FUTURE-PERFECT'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for future perfect that I've seen before include "attitude of very optimistic forecaster" , "Grammatical verb tense" , "with idealistic expectation?" , "Tense of verbs" , "Will have been perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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