Crossword Genius

Not a home match (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elopement

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

'a home match' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'not' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'not' could be 'nt' (synonyms) and 'nt' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elopement that I've seen before include "(Act of) running away to marry" , "Secret escape" , "aim of running mates" , "sort of escape" , "Action of running away to marry" .)

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