Crossword Genius

What the best man is expected to do? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excel

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

'do?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'what the best man is expected' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'man' could be 'ex' (ex is a kind of man) and 'ex' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'cel' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for excel that I've seen before include "Surpass; shine" , "Be highly proficient" , "Do really well as at exams" , "well above average" , "Do really well, outshine others" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Irish News.
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