Crossword Genius

Pass close to Awatere Fault (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elapse

'pass' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'close to awatere fault' is the wordplay.
'close to' suggests the final letters (the 'close' to the word).
'fault' becomes 'lapse' (lapse is a kind of fault).
The last letter of 'awatere' is 'e'.
'e'+'lapse'='ELAPSE'

(Other definitions for elapse that I've seen before include "'Pass by, as time (6)'" , "run by" , "Tick by" , "Glide by" , "Pass away - asleep (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Telegraph.
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