Crossword Genius

Dance round the piano, then drive off (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

repel

'drive off' is the definition.
('repel' can be a synonym of 'drive off')

'dance round the piano' is the wordplay.
'dance' becomes 'reel' (reel is a kind of dance).
'round' indicates putting letters inside.
'the piano' becomes 'p'.
'reel' going around 'p' is 'REPEL'.

'then' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for repel that I've seen before include "Successfully resist" , "Be effective in controlling" , "Drive back or ward off" , "Put off - disgust" , "'Drive back, repulse (5)'" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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