Crossword Genius

Rub away (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

erase

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

'rub away' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'away' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'away' could be 'a' (abbreviation as used in sports fixtures) and 'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'erse' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for erase that I've seen before include "Rub out, expunge" , "Do away with" , "Put out of mind" , "score" , "Destroy recording on audio or video tape" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, the Penny Press and the Newsday.
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