Crossword Genius

Leave with one animal (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

goa

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

'animal' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'leave with one' is the wordplay.
'leave' becomes 'go' (to go is to depart or leave).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'one' becomes 'a' (a thing is one thing).
'go'+'a'='GOA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for goa that I've seen before include "Former Portuguese colony on India's west coast" , "Indian W. coast state" , "holiday destination in Asia" , "State of SW India" , "Indian state, formerly Portuguese" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.