Crossword Genius

Have secret service overthrown Eastern European? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elope

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'have secret service overthrown eastern european?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'overthrown eastern european?' is the wordplay.
'overthrown' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'eastern' becomes 'e'.
'european?' becomes 'Pole' (someone from Poland).
'e'+'pole'='epole'
'epole' backwards is 'ELOPE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elope that I've seen before include "Abscond for amorous purposes" , "Run away secretly to marry" , "Run away with lover" , "Do a runner" , "Run away in secret" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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