Crossword Genius

After school exam, finally escape for a chat (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

schmooze

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'for a chat' is the definition.
(to schmooze is to chat informally)

'after school exam finally escape' is the wordplay.
'after school' becomes 'sch' (common abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'after' bit.).
'finally' suggests the final letters.
'escape' becomes 'ooze'.
The last letter of 'exam' is 'm'.
'sch'+'m'+'ooze'='SCHMOOZE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for schmooze that I've seen before include "chatter" , "Chat in friendly manner" , "Talk intimately in order to manipulate" , "circulate" , "Chat socially" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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