Crossword Genius

Leave instruction for execution? (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

head off

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

'leave' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for head off that I've seen before include "Deflect from a path" , "What Anne Boleyn eventually had" , "result of execution?" , "like Robespierre?" , "Escape" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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