Crossword Genius

Male abandoned brolly, split (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gap

'split' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'male abandoned brolly' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'abandoned' suggests deleting specific letters.
'brolly' becomes 'gamp' (synonyms).
'gamp' with 'm' taken out is 'GAP'.

(Other definitions for gap that I've seen before include "prospective students may enjoy this year?" , "Interval, break" , "A small parting, in hedge or teeth" , "fracture" , "Space (maybe for a year?)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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