Crossword Genius

Hermit takes one from left to right (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loner

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'hermit' is the definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)

'one from left to right' is the wordplay.
'one from left' becomes 'lone' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to right' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'lone'+'r'='LONER'

'takes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loner that I've seen before include "One who avoids company" , "person, one hating company" , "Person who prefers his own company" , "No mixer" , "Unsociable person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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