Crossword Genius

Circus performer to make a run for it, I hear (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flea

'circus performer' is the definition.
(as in a flea circus)

'a run for it i hear' is the wordplay.
'a run for it' becomes 'flee' (to run for it is to flee or escape).
'i hear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'flee' is a homophone of 'FLEA'.

'to make' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for flea that I've seen before include "Bug" , "little pest" , "Jumping bloodsucker" , "Wingless, jumping insect" , "Bloodsucking parasite" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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