General method that allows margin for error (6)

I believe the answer is:

leeway

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'general method that allows margin for error' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'general method' is the wordplay.
'general' becomes 'Lee' (Robert E. Lee - US revolutionary commander).
'method' becomes 'way' (way of doing something).
'lee'+'way'='LEEWAY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leeway that I've seen before include "Freedom to act" , "Room to manoeuvre, as for a ship" , "play" , "Margin allowing room for manoeuvre" , "Space for free movement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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