Crossword Genius

Mike leaves retreat in background (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

heritage

'background' is the definition.
(as in someone's national or ethnic background)

'mike leaves retreat' is the wordplay.
'mike' becomes 'M' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'leaves' suggests deleting specific letters.
'retreat' becomes 'hermitage' (a hermitage may be a religious retreat).
'hermitage' with 'm' removed is 'HERITAGE'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for heritage that I've seen before include "Birth-related condition" , "Property or practices passed down" , "Received culture and background" , "Birthright" , "Our historic legacy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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