Crossword Genius

Icy expanse escaping first shot (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

polaroid

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

'shot' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'icy expanse escaping first' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'icy' could be 'polar' (synonyms) and 'polar' is found in the answer.
'first' could be 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I) and 'i' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'od' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for polaroid that I've seen before include "Plastic material used in sunglasses" , "still available immediately" , "film" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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