Crossword Genius

Optimistically expects to jump two ways (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hopes

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'optimistically expects' is the definition.
'hopes' can be an answer for 'expects' ('hope' can be a synonym of 'expect'). I'm not certain of the 'optimistically' bit.

'jump two ways' is the wordplay.
'two ways' can mean two substitutions for 'way'.
'jump' becomes 'hop' (hopping is a kind of jumping).
'way' becomes 'e' (Compass direction - East).
'way' becomes 's' (Compass direction - South).
'hop'+'e'+'s'='HOPES'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hopes that I've seen before include "Aspirations, wishes" , "Desires and expects" , "Aspires" , "Expectations" , "Believes that good things may happen" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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