Crossword Genius

Friend with a note to pass (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amigo

'friend' is the definition.
('friend' in Spanish)

'a note to pass' is the wordplay.
'note' becomes 'mi' (as in 'do re mi').
'to pass' becomes 'go' (going is a kind of passing).
'a'+'mi'+'go'='AMIGO'

'with' is the link.

(Other definitions for amigo that I've seen before include "A Spanish pal" , "in a foreign land, my friend?" , "buddy abroad?" , "Foreign ally" , "Friend in Spanish-speaking areas" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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