Crossword Genius

How overweight associate came to his end? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fatally

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'came to his end?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is not.

'how overweight associate' is the wordplay.
'how overweight' becomes 'fat' (similar in meaning. I am not sure about the 'how' bit.).
'associate' becomes 'ally' (ally is a kind of associate).
'fat'+'ally'='FATALLY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fatally that I've seen before include "So as to cause death" , "Might one be wounded thus" , "with no hope of revival" , "producing disastrous result" , "Mortally" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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