Crossword Genius

Puts one off in a humble way? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defers

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'puts' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'one off in a humble way?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'way?' could be 's' (Compass direction - South) and 's' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'defer' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for defers that I've seen before include "Puts off to another time" , "Puts off to later date" , "Puts off or submits" , "Puts off, delays" , "Yields to another's wish" .)

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