Crossword Genius

Occasionally, cell buddies escape (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elude

'escape' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'occasionally cell buddies' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'cell'+'buddies'='cellbuddies'
The alternate letters of 'cellbuddies' are 'ELUDE'.

(Other definitions for elude that I've seen before include "Escape - avoid" , "Avoid; slip one's mind" , "Avoid first" , "Avoid (e.g. capture)" , "Get round" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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