Crossword Genius

Depend — only without me (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rely

'depend' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'only without me' is the wordplay.
'only' becomes 'merely' (merely can mean only or simply).
'without' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'merely' with 'me' removed is 'RELY'.

(Other definitions for rely that I've seen before include "Depend (upon)" , "City with cathedral" , "Be dependent" , "Depend or lean on" , "Depend on with confidence" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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