Crossword Genius

Expression of views about leave in Foggy Bottom (5,10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

state department

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

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

'expression of views about leave' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'about' could be 'a' (abbreviation in Chambers) and 'a' is present in the answer.
'leave' could be 'depart' (departing is a kind of leaving) and 'depart' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for state department that I've seen before include "US officials" , "US Foreign Office" , "government agency abroad" , "American diplomats" , "Washington office" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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