Crossword Genius

Donkey shelters beside a deep gorge (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abyss

'a deep gorge' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'donkey shelters beside' is the wordplay.
'donkey' becomes 'ass' (ass is a term for a donkey).
'shelters' is an insertion indicator.
'beside' becomes 'by'.
'ass' enclosing 'by' is 'ABYSS'.

(Other definitions for abyss that I've seen before include "depths of sea" , "canyon?" , "gaping hole" , "Very large and deep chasm" , "Deep pit" .)

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