Crossword Genius

Would rather vote for Macron from France? Mr Rope! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prefer

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'rope' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how they can define each other.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prefer that I've seen before include "Like one better than another" , "Like (something) better than another" , "Choose over others" , "Tend to choose (one thing over another)" , "Favour, like better" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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