The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 2 plus 3 letter word IN OFF
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
I
N
O
F
F
More clues leading to the result IN OFF
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "diversion going to pot" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case diversion going to pot = in off.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does IN OFF mean?
IN OFF noun- The situation where the cue ball goes into a pocket after striking the object ball.
- Of the cue ball: (going) into a pocket, after cannoning another ball.