Crossword Genius

Ran away with the Spanish [This needs work – ed.] (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eloped

'ran away' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'the spanish this needs work ed' is the wordplay.
'the spanish' becomes 'el' ('the' in Spanish).
'this needs' says to put letters next to each other.
'work' becomes 'op' (abbreviation for opus).
'el'+'op'+'ed'='ELOPED'

'with' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for eloped that I've seen before include "Went off" , "Ran away to marry" , "Ran away to get married" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app