Real bite - free! (8)

I believe the answer is:

liberate

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'real bite free' is the definition.
'liberate' can be an answer for 'free' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'real bite' bit.

'real bite free' is the wordplay.
'free' indicates anagramming the letters.
'real'+'bite'='realbite'
'realbite' anagrammed gives 'LIBERATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for liberate that I've seen before include "Set free, emancipate" , "Deliver" , "Set free, release from slavery" , "Make free" , "let go" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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