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Exhausted like a parachutist about to jump? (5,2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ready to drop

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'like a parachutist about to jump?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'like' could be 'y' (similar in meaning) and 'y' is located in the answer.
'a' is present in the answer.
'about' could be 're' (regarding) and 're' is present in the answer.
'to' is found in the answer.
'jump?' could be 'drop' (jumping is a kind of dropping) and 'drop' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'd' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ready to drop that I've seen before include "exhausted?" , "Tired" , "like a parachutist just before dive?" , "Are autumn leaves" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News and The Globe and Mail.
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