Crossword Genius

Safe after exiting forest? (3,2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

out of the woods

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

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

'exiting forest?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'forest?' could be 'woods' ('woods' can be a synonym of 'forest') and 'woods' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'after' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for out of the woods that I've seen before include "No longer in difficulty or danger" , "Free from trouble" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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