Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

24 across - "Swell operator on leave" (5) -U-G-. I reckoned "Bulge" but only if one uses the obscure word "Buge" on "L for leave". Internet suggests "Surge" but apart from the tidal connection I can't see it.
Suggestions welcome.

SURGE(on)

As is always the case - the answer is so obvious - far better than "Bulge"!