Crossword Genius

To some extent hope a cockroach might be a more beautiful insect (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

peacock

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

'a more beautiful insect' is the definition.
'peacock' can be an answer for 'insect' (peacock is a kind of insect). I am not certain of the 'a more beautiful' bit.

'to some extent hope a cockroach might' is the wordplay.
'to some extent' says the answer is hidden in the clue (I've seen 'extent of' mean this (I've seen this in other clues)).
'PEACOCK' can be found hidden inside 'hope a cockroach might'.

'be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for peacock that I've seen before include "Gaudy bird" , "murderer" , "Proud bird" , "Type of butterfly" , "Love divided Thomas from this" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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