Crossword Genius

French to be taken in by sneak in religious centre? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

retreat

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

'sneak in religious centre?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'french to be taken in' is the wordplay.
'french to be' becomes 'etre' (I've seen this in another clue).
'taken' becomes 'rat' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'etre' going within 'rat' is 'RETREAT'.

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for retreat that I've seen before include "Leave - refuge" , "retirement" , "Give ground" , "Pull back" , "snug" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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