Crossword Genius

Undue praise of cook, drinking coffee (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flattery

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'undue praise' is the definition.
'flattery' can be an answer for 'praise' (flattery is a kind of praise). I am not certain of the 'undue' bit.

'cook drinking coffee' is the wordplay.
'cook' becomes 'fry' (fry cook is a kind of cook).
'drinking' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are consumed or drunk).
'coffee' becomes 'latte' (type of coffee drink).
'fry' enclosing 'latte' is 'FLATTERY'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flattery that I've seen before include "Excessive or insincere praise" , "phony praise" , "''Imitation is the sincerest form of . . . . . . . .'' (8)" , "Compliments" , "Insincere praise (that will get you nowhere?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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