Crossword Genius

Leave course having lost heart (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

desert

'leave' is the definition.
(desert can mean to leave or abandon)

'course having lost heart' is the wordplay.
'course' becomes 'dessert' (dessert is a kind of course).
'having lost heart' suggests removing the centre.
'dessert' with its centre removed is 'DESERT'.

(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "Hot dry area" , "See 23" , "Arid area of sand" , "Walk out on" , "land too dry to raise crops" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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