Crossword Genius

One loves to spread out (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fan

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

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

'one loves' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'one' could be 'an' (an apple is one apple) and 'an' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'f' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fan that I've seen before include "Ardent admirer" , "Devoted admirer or air cooler" , "Cooling device for devoted follower?" , "Enthusiastic admirer as of pop star" , "Spanish women wave it to cool themselves" .)

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