Crossword Genius

The fall is general in a way (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sleet

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'the fall' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'general in a way' is the wordplay.
'general' becomes 'Lee' (Robert E. Lee - US revolutionary commander).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'a way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street).
'lee' inserted into 'st' is 'SLEET'.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sleet that I've seen before include "Rain/ice mix" , "Freezing rain" , "Partly melted falling snow or hail" , "Partly frozen rain" , "Icy rain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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