A friend out to lighten your troubles (5)

I believe the answer is:

allay

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

'lighten your troubles' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'a friend out' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'ally' (synonyms).
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'a' inserted inside 'ally' is 'ALLAY'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for allay that I've seen before include "Relieve, soothe" , "Diminish (concerns)" , "Quell" , "Diminish (fears/concern)" , "Lay to rest (fear)" .)

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