Crossword Genius

What a front-runner might do in desert? (5,3'1,4) (5,4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leave ones post

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

'might do in desert? 53'14' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I cannot tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'what a front-runner' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' could be 'one' and 'one' is present in the answer.
'runner' could be 'ea' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ea' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app