Crossword Genius

Outings old mate suggests (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exposes

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

'suggests' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'outings old mate' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'old' could be 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime) and 'ex' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'poses' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exposes that I've seen before include "Deprives of cover" , "Brings to light" , "scandalous revelations?" , "Reveals" , "Uncovers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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