Crossword Genius

Break from female trouble (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fail

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

'female trouble' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'trouble' becomes 'ail' ('ail' can be a synonym of 'trouble'**).
'f'+'ail'='FAIL'

'from' is the link.

(Other definitions for fail that I've seen before include "Be unsuccessful, say in exam" , "Fall short" , "Neglect (to do something)" , "Don't succeed" , "Flunk" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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