Crossword Genius

Gets on “soundly” without women in general (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fair sex

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

'women in general' is the definition.
'fair sex' can be an answer for 'women' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'in general' bit.

'gets on soundly without' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'without' could be 'ex' (Latin) and 'ex' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'fairs' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fair sex that I've seen before include "Women in general - especially blondes?" , "Women generally, not just blondes" , "Complimentary description of women" , "Womankind (often patronising)" .)

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