Crossword Genius

Leaves the half dead bits (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

departs

'leaves' is the definition.
('depart' can be a synonym of 'leave')

'half dead bits' is the wordplay.
'half' suggests halving the letters.
'bits' becomes 'parts' (I've seen this before).
'dead' cut in half is 'de'.
'de'+'parts'='DEPARTS'

'the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for departs that I've seen before include "Goes, leaves" , "Quits" , "Does runner" , "Goes away" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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