Crossword Genius

Keep away from an abyss (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

avoid

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'keep away' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'an abyss' is the wordplay.
'an' becomes 'a'.
'abyss' becomes 'void' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'void'='AVOID'

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for avoid that I've seen before include "Shy away from" , "Fend off" , "Stay clear of" , "Evade - escape" , "Sidestep" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Telegraph.
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