Crossword Genius

Pope ran off, in theory (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on paper

'in theory' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'pope ran off' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'pope'+'ran'='poperan'
'poperan' with letters rearranged gives 'ON PAPER'.

(Other definitions for on paper that I've seen before include "In writing" , "Exam may be" , "Planned (in theory)" , "Theoretical" , "Propane (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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