Crossword Genius

Current means of escape for a fox? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earth

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'fox?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earth that I've seen before include "Dirty hole" , "Human world" , "Heart (anag)" , "The 3rd planet from the sun" , "Meek's inheritance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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