Crossword Genius

Have a position with female willingly (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lief

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

'willingly' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'have a position with female' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'position' could be 'lie' (lie can mean to place or position) and 'lie' is found within the answer.
'female' could be 'f' (abbreviation) and 'f' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for lief that I've seen is " In old usage, gladly or willingly - file away".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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