Crossword Genius

Undertaking to form union with Liberal hero (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

idol

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

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

'undertaking to form union with liberal' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'liberal' could be 'l' (abbreviation) and 'l' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ido' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for idol that I've seen before include "Object of false worship" , "Person who is the object of intense admiration as by fan club" , "Image of a god (not icon)" , "Someone much loved" , "Graven image or greatly admired person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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