Crossword Genius

Allow to trickle through one's fist? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sift

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'allow' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'trickle through one's fist?' is the wordplay.
'fist' can be anagrammed to 'SIFT'.
However, I'm unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sift that I've seen before include "Filter, riddle" , "screen" , "Sieve, examine closely" , "Use a sieve" , "Separate out - examine closely" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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