Crossword Genius

Decline to set us free anew (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

refuse

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'decline' is the definition.
(I know that decline can be written as refuse)

'us free anew' is the wordplay.
'anew' indicates an anagram.
'us'+'free'='usfree'
'usfree' with letters rearranged gives 'REFUSE'.

'to set' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for refuse that I've seen before include "Say no to - rubbish" , "deadwood" , "Pass up" , "Turn away" , "household rubbish" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app