Crossword Genius

Moved gradually to the left in the southeast (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stole

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'moved gradually' is the definition.
'stole' can be an answer for 'moved' (stealing is a kind of moving). I'm not certain of the 'gradually' bit.

'to the left in the southeast' is the wordplay.
'the left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'in the' indicates putting letters inside.
'southeast' becomes 'SE' (synonyms).
'to'+'l'='tol'
'tol' inserted inside 'se' is 'STOLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stole that I've seen before include "Nicked - wrap" , "cover" , "Wide scarf worn about the shoulders" , "Purloined; wrap" , "ripped off" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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