Socialist checked out (4)

I believe the answer is:

left

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'socialist' is the first definition.
('left' is associated in meaning with 'socialist')

'checked out' is the second definition.

(Other definitions for left that I've seen before include "Communist?" , "Withdrew - Labour" , "The sinister side" , "Departed, went away" , "Socialist direction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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