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German bolted down mountain pass (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gate

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'down mountain pass' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'german bolted' is the wordplay.
'german' becomes 'g' (abbreviation**).
'bolted' becomes 'ate' (I've seen this before).
'g'+'ate'='GATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gate that I've seen before include "Frame for closing an entrance" , "Five-bar opening?" , "Means of entry" , "Doorway" , "Portal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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