Crossword Genius

To surpass score is excellent (3-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

top-notch

'excellent' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'to surpass score' is the subsidiary indication.
'to surpass' becomes 'top' (topping is a kind of surpassing).
'score' becomes 'notch' (I've seen this before).
'top'+'notch'='topnotch'

'is' is the link.

(Other definitions for top-notch that I've seen before include "Excellent (informal)" , "Superb" , "First-rate" , "Grade 1" , "Wonderful" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app