Crossword Genius

Cross character in formal attire getting up to go (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exit

'go' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'cross character in formal attire getting up' is the wordplay.
'cross character' becomes 'X' (character resembling a cross).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'formal attire' becomes 'tie'.
'getting up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'x' going within 'tie' is 'tixe'.
'tixe' back-to-front is 'EXIT'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for exit that I've seen before include "Depart" , "Move out" , "Leave the stage" , "Act of going out" , "Departure of actor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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