Crossword Genius

A hanging drapery protecting husband in fall (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

avalanche

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'fall' is the definition.
(avalanching is a kind of falling)

'a hanging drapery protecting husband' is the wordplay.
'hanging drapery' becomes 'valance' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'protecting' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are held or protected).
'husband' becomes 'h' (abbreviation).
'valance' enclosing 'h' is 'valanche'.
'a'+'valanche'='AVALANCHE'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for avalanche that I've seen before include "sudden rush" , "Large fall of snow or rocks" , "Snow slip" , "Large snow or rock fall" , "Disastrous snowfall" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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