Crossword Genius

Up to a foot less than ever (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

after

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

'less than ever' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'up to a foot' is the wordplay.
'up' becomes 'ter' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'foot' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'a'+'f'='af'
'ter' put after 'af' is 'AFTER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for after that I've seen before include "Chasing" , "Looking for" , "Following - behind" , "Behind; seeking" , "Following, consequent to" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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