Crossword Genius

Turns a blind eye to the French estimates (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tolerates

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'turns a blind eye' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'to the french estimates' is the wordplay.
'the french' becomes 'le' ('the' in French).
'estimates' becomes 'rates' (I've seen this in another clue).
'to'+'le'+'rates'='TOLERATES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tolerates that I've seen before include "Bears" , "Accepts" .)

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