Crossword Genius

Cross, saying a few words about party that’s terminated early (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

traverse

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'cross' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a few words about party that's terminated early' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'few' could be 'v' and 'v' is present in the answer.
'about' could be 're' (regarding) and 're' is found in the remaining letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'saying' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for traverse that I've seen before include "Move across" , "cover" , "Go across" , "Cross sideways" , "Travel across or pass over" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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