Crossword Genius

Exploit small group without following (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

action

'exploit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'small group without following' is the wordplay.
'small group' becomes 'faction' (political group).
'without' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'following' becomes 'f' (used when citing page numbers etc).
'faction' with 'f' taken away is 'ACTION'.

(Other definitions for action that I've seen before include "Battle - suit" , "Law suit" , "It is said to speak louder than words" , "Litigation" , "Order to start shooting" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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