Crossword Genius

Having a rest - going abroad, perhaps, though not France (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lying

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'having' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lying that I've seen before include "Deceit" , "Fabrication" , "Mendacious; recumbent" , "Telling falsehoods" , "Telling untruths" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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