Crossword Genius

Appeal quietly for a helpful hint (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plead

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

'appeal' is the definition.
(pleading is a kind of appealing)

'quietly for a helpful hint' is the wordplay.
'quietly' becomes 'p' (p for piano and quiet).
'for' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a helpful hint' becomes 'lead' (synonyms. I am not sure about the 'helpful' bit.).
'p'+'lead'='PLEAD'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plead that I've seen before include "Make an emotional appeal" , "Supplicate" , "Claim; entreat" , "Present an argument in court" , "Sue" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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