Crossword Genius

Exits in the open air (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

outdoors

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

'in the open air' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'exits' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'exits' could be 'doors' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'doors' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'out' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for outdoors that I've seen before include "In the open air" , "abroad" , "Is that great?" , "Not in a building" , "Alfresco" .)

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