100 quit but remain closely attached

I believe the answer is:

cleave

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'remain closely attached' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'100 quit' is the wordplay.
'100' becomes 'c' (Roman numeral).
'quit' becomes 'leave' (synonyms).
'c'+'leave'='CLEAVE'

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cleave that I've seen before include "Cut (with an axe?)" , "Chop or split" , "Split or cling to" , "Divide by chopping, or cling" , "Part" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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