Crossword Genius

Staff leave fruit ... (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mango

'fruit' is the definition.
(type of fruit)

'staff leave' is the wordplay.
'staff' becomes 'man' (as in staffing or manning a particular place).
'leave' becomes 'go' (to go is to depart or leave).
'man'+'go'='MANGO'

(Other definitions for mango that I've seen before include "No, Mag has the odd fruit" , "fruit-tree" , "Tropical fruit, its pickle" , "Yellow-fleshed fruit" , "Large oval tropical fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app