Crossword Genius

The French way, it seems, needn't be French! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leave

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'it seems needn't be french' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'the french way' is the wordplay.
'the french' becomes 'le' ('the' in French).
'way' becomes 'ave' (abbreviation for avenue, a type of 'way').
'le'+'ave'='LEAVE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leave that I've seen before include "Depart - on office holidays?" , "Don't take - time off" , "Deposit" , "Don't touch" , "Depart on work holiday?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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