Crossword Genius

Dull sweetheart for partner (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mate

'partner' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'dull sweetheart' is the wordplay.
'dull' becomes 'mat' (mat as opposed to glossy).
'sweetheart' becomes 'e' (the heart/centre of 'sweet').
'mat'+'e'='MATE'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "First officer" , "provides solution to chess problem" , "Officer below master on a commercial ship" , "Chess ending; pal" , "Pal, chum" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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