Crossword Genius

Could he make Mary lose her head? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ray

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

This could be a double definition.

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

'he make mary lose her head?' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ray that I've seen before include "Shaft of light" , "Beam; man's name" , "may be electric" , "Man who engaged in surrealist photography" , "Beam - skate" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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