Releases remains after relative essentially expired (9)
I believe the answer is:
unleashes
'releases remains' is the definition.
'unleashes' can be an answer for 'releases' (unleashing is a kind of releasing). I'm unsure of the 'remains' bit.
'relative essentially expired' is the wordplay.
'relative' becomes 'aunt' (aunt is a kind of relative).
'essentially' indicates the central letters.
'expired' becomes 'leashes' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
The centre of 'aunt' is 'un'.
'un'+'leashes'='UNLEASHES'
'after' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for unleashes that I've seen before include "Sets free as dog from restraining strap" , "Releases from a restraint" .)