Crossword Genius

Runs out in shortage? That’s the end (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

death

'the end' is the definition.
(the end of a life)

'runs out in shortage?' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'out in' suggests deleting specific letters.
'shortage?' becomes 'dearth' (dearth can mean a shortage or lack).
'dearth' with 'r' taken away is 'DEATH'.

'that's' is the link.

(Other definitions for death that I've seen before include "Final moments" , "The end - after 13 across, the plague" , ""The last enemy"" , "Last moment of existence" , "Extinction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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