Crossword Genius

Bill Clinton famously claimed he didn't fit after being elected (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inhale

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'bill clinton famously claimed he didn't' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is not.

'fit after being elected' is the wordplay.
'fit' becomes 'hale' (both can mean healthy).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'being elected' becomes 'in' (in government).
'hale' after 'in' is 'INHALE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inhale that I've seen before include "drag" , "Whiff" , "Take smoke into the lungs" , "Breathe in (gas, smoke)" , "take the air" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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