Crossword Genius

Like the money made by the prospector who struck oil? (4-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

well-earned

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

'like the money made by the prospector who struck oil?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'like the money made by' is the wordplay.
'like the money' becomes 'well' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'made' becomes 'earned' (as in making money).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'well'+'earned'='WELL-EARNED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for well-earned that I've seen before include "Thoroughly deserved" , "Justified" .)

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