What one says when taking French leave? (5)
I believe the answer is:
adieu
'french leave?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'what one says when' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is located in the answer.
'when' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'adu' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'taking' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for adieu that I've seen before include "Auf wiedersehen" , "Au revoir (to a kind friend?)" , "Parting word" , "Farewell, ami!" , "Farewell, adios" .)