Crossword Genius

Female, depressed, getting to run (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flow

'run' is the definition.
(I know that run can be written as flow)

'female depressed getting' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'depressed' becomes 'low' (synonyms).
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'f'+'low'='FLOW'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for flow that I've seen before include "Current" , "Move along as a stream" , "Steady continuous stream" , "Fluid motion" , "(Forward) movement of liquid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app