A little way from heaven (3)

I believe the answer is:

ave

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'a little way' is the definition.
'ave' can be an answer for 'way' (abbreviation for avenue, a type of 'way'). I am not sure about the 'a little' bit.

'from heaven' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'AVE' can be found hidden inside 'heaven'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ave that I've seen before include "Hail as to Maria" , "Latin greeting" , "Roman greeting" , "Cockney's own" , "Welcome" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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