Crossword Genius

Why was hero not far off? (3,4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

for what reason

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'why' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot tell whether this works.

'was hero not far off?' is the wordplay.
'off?' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'off' mean this).
'was'+'hero'+'not'+'far'='washeronotfar'
'washeronotfar' with letters rearranged gives 'FOR WHAT REASON'.

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I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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