Crossword Genius

Take everything off epitaph of a saint (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strip

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

'take everything off' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'epitaph of a saint' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'epitaph' could be 'rip' (rest in peace) and 'rip' is found in the answer.
'saint' could be 'st' (abbreviation) and 'st' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for strip that I've seen before include "Peel; long narrow piece" , "sports outfit" , "US road lined with shops" , "Thin piece" , "Remove clothes - maybe comic" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app