Crossword Genius

Extend line running through airport’s automated exit (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elongate

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'extend' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'line running through airport's automated exit' is the wordplay.
'line' becomes 'l'.
'running through' indicates putting letters inside.
'airport's automated' becomes 'eon' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'exit' becomes 'gate' (I've seen this before).
'l' going inside 'eon' is 'elon'.
'elon'+'gate'='ELONGATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elongate that I've seen before include "Stretch lengthways" , "Drag out" , "very thin" , "Spread" , "Lengthen or prolong" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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