Crossword Genius

A French Connection release? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

untie

'release?' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'a french connection' is the wordplay.
'a french' becomes 'un' ('a' in French).
'connection' becomes 'tie' (tie is a kind of connection).
'un'+'tie'='UNTIE'

(Other definitions for untie that I've seen before include "Open a knot" , "Release from bonds or open shoelace" , "get rid of bonds" , "Free from restraining bonds or ropes" , "Disconnect; release" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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