Crossword Genius

When I leave it stops, or is inclined to (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tends

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'when i leave it stops or is inclined to' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'it stops or is inclined to' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
'stops' could be 'ends' ('end' can be a synonym of 'stop') and 'ends' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tends that I've seen before include "Dents (anag.)" , "Inclines or looks after" , "nurses" , "Inclines to take care of?" , "Dresses" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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