Crossword Genius

One departs, perhaps, when they fall (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leaves

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one departs' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'perhaps when they fall' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'when' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'laves' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leaves that I've seen before include "Disappears" , "some tea, perhaps" , "Organs of photosynthesis" , "Doesn't eat" , "Steps out of" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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