Avoid certain ways to masticate (6)

I believe the answer is:

eschew

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'avoid' is the definition.
(eschewing is a kind of avoiding)

'certain ways to masticate' is the wordplay.
'certain ways' becomes 'es' (east and south - two directions. I am not sure about the 'certain' bit.**).
'to masticate' becomes 'chew' ('chew' can be a synonym of 'masticate').
'es'+'chew'='ESCHEW'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eschew that I've seen before include "'Avoid, shun (6)'" , "Abstain from (an activity)" , "Abandon" , "Avoid or abstain from (6)" , "'Stay clear of, shun (6)'" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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