Crossword Genius

Run away, having originally stolen fish with hesitation (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scarper

'run away' is the definition.
('scarper' can be a synonym of 'run away')

'originally stolen fish with hesitation' is the wordplay.
'originally' indicates taking the first letters.
'fish' becomes 'carp' (carp is a kind of fish**).
'with hesitation' becomes 'er' (I've seen this in other clues).
The first letter of 'stolen' is 's'.
's'+'carp'+'er'='SCARPER'

'having' is the link.

(Other definitions for scarper that I've seen before include "Take to one's heels, cut and run" , "Damage" , "Vamoose" , "Run away (colloq.)" , "Run away (sl.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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