Crossword Genius

It comes as a big blow perhaps to air force? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gale

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'it comes as a big blow perhaps' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'air force?' is the wordplay.
'air' becomes 'gal' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'force?' becomes 'e' (E is the symbol of electromotive force).
'gal'+'e'='GALE'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gale that I've seen before include "Force 8 wind" , "Fierce wind" , "Bille from a bladder" , "Squall" , "A wild storm" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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