Crossword Genius

Scrap divorcee joke, perhaps, after pushback? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

expunge

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

'scrap' is the definition.
(to expunge is to erase or remove)

'divorcee joke perhaps after pushback?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'divorcee' could be 'ex' (an ex-spouse) and 'ex' is located in the answer.
'joke' could be 'pun' (pun is a type of joke) and 'pun' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ge' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for expunge that I've seen before include "Completely remove" , "Completely obliterate" , "Obliterate - erase" , "Remove (from records)" , "Wipe out" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.