Leaves Mariner, colleague playing up front (2-4)
I believe the answer is:
co-star
'up front' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'leaves mariner colleague playing' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'leaves' could be 'cos' (cos lettuce leaves) and 'cos' is located in the answer.
'mariner' could be 'tar' (synonyms) and 'tar' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for co-star that I've seen before include "share top billing" , "One of two leading actors in play or film" , "Performer of equal importance" , "Performer meriting joint billing" , "Be joint lead (in film, play, etc)" .)