Crossword Genius

Former partner leaving exotically unusual place (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

locality

'place' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'former partner leaving exotically unusual' is the wordplay.
'former partner' becomes 'ex' (an ex-partner).
'leaving' is a deletion indicator.
'unusual' is an anagram indicator.
'exotically' with 'ex' taken away is 'otically'.
'otically' anagrammed gives 'LOCALITY'.

(Other definitions for locality that I've seen before include "Area, neighbourhood" , "Surrounding region" , "Position; area" , "Neighbourhood or site of something" .)

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