What does the cryptic crossword clue "Spy on partner as one's final move (9)" mean?

The definition is "one’s final move". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CHECK (synonym="‘spy on’") + MATE (synonym="‘partner’") = CHECKMATE; definition: "one's final move" The answer is CHECKMATE.

Spy on partner as one's final move (9)

Guardian Cryptic #28968 | 19 Across | 2023-01-16 flower

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