Doesn't count signs of spring? (6,3)

I believe the answer is:

leaves out

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'signs of spring?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leaves out that I've seen before include "Excludes" , "evidence that spring has arrived?" , "Overlooks" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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