Crossword Genius

Link it up with an ear-piece (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tie

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

'link' is the definition.
(I know that link can be written as tie)

'it up with an ear-piece' is the wordplay.
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'an ear-piece' becomes 'e' (this could be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'it' reversed gives 'ti'.
'ti'+'e'='TIE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tie that I've seen before include "Encumbrance" , "Bond; neckwear" , "Equal score" , "Join, link" , "Fasten the neckwear" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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