Crossword Genius

When mate's most likely to kill grouse? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endgame

'when mate's most likely' is the definition.
(as in checkmate in a chess game)

'kill grouse?' is the wordplay.
'kill' becomes 'end' (I've seen this in another clue).
'grouse?' becomes 'game' (grouse is a type of gamebird).
'end'+'game'='ENDGAME'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for endgame that I've seen before include "moves before mating" , "drama" , "closing moves on chessboard" , "final moves" , "when there are few men left" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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