Crossword Genius

Dad left with a friend (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'a friend' is the definition.
(pal is a kind of friend)

'dad left' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' ('pa' can be a synonym of 'dad').
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'pa'+'l'='PAL'

'with' is the link.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Close friend" , "Brother" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Mate, buddy" , "Crony" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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