Crossword Genius

Be first to go after divorcee? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exist

'be' is the definition.
('exist' can be a synonym of 'be')

'first to go after divorcee?' is the wordplay.
'first' becomes 'ist'.
'to go after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'divorcee?' becomes 'ex' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ist' put after 'ex' is 'EXIST'.

(Other definitions for exist that I've seen before include "Be alive" , "Live" , "Have being or continue living" , "Get a life!" , "quick!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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