Crossword Genius

Be about to drop off teacher going north (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nod

'be about to drop off' is the definition.

'teacher going north' is the wordplay.
'teacher' becomes 'don' (don is a kind of teacher).
'going north' says the letters should be written backwards.
'don' in reverse letter order is 'NOD'.

(Other definitions for nod that I've seen before include "Indicate assent; make slip" , "Gesture of assent" , "Where Cain went to" , "Fellow that's set up number 500" , "Signify assent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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