Crossword Genius

A free woman (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

auntie

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

'woman' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'a free' is the wordplay.
'free' becomes 'untie' (I've seen this in another clue).
'a'+'untie'='AUNTIE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for auntie that I've seen before include "Close relative" , "BBC's nickname" , "Female relative" , "BBC nickname" , "Kinswoman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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