Crossword Genius

Former lover brings charm to departure (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exit

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

'departure' is the definition.
(I know that departure can be written as exit)

'former lover brings charm' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'former' could be 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime) and 'ex' is found in the answer.
'charm' could be 'it' (intangible human quality: 'she has it') and 'it' is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exit that I've seen before include "Way to leave" , "Depart" , "Outlet" , "Escape route?" , "Player's departure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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