Crossword Genius

Escape without a place to take off (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

runway

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'take off' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'escape without a place' is the wordplay.
'escape' becomes 'run' (I've seen this before).
'without a place' becomes 'way' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'run'+'way'='RUNWAY'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for runway that I've seen before include "Track for takeoff and landing" , "A plane lands on it" , "Strip for take off and landing of aircraft" , "Take-off tarmac" , "A plane takes off from it" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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