Crossword Genius

Discover or expel crook (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

explore

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'discover' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'or expel crook' is the wordplay.
'crook' is an anagram indicator (a crooked or broken form of the letters).
'or'+'expel'='orexpel'
'orexpel' with letters rearranged gives 'EXPLORE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for explore that I've seen before include "Examine unknown territory" , "Look around; examine" , "Travel through region to learn about it" , "Search and inquire into" , "Travel in search of discovery" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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