Antelope drops tail to dash (4)

I believe the answer is:

elan

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'dash' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for elan that I've seen before include "Dash in France" , "Verve and dash" , "Vivacity, dash" , "Combination of style and vigour" , "Dash in French lane" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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