Crossword Genius

Escape from charge surrounding lake (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flee

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

'charge surrounding lake' is the wordplay.
'charge' becomes 'fee' (fee is a kind of charge).
'surrounding' indicates putting letters inside.
'lake' becomes 'L' (geographical abbreviation).
'fee' going around 'l' is 'FLEE'.

(Other definitions for flee that I've seen before include "Maybe escape" , "Run (from danger)" , "Leave" , "head for the hills" , "Do a runner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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