Crossword Genius

As sent when there's a bit of a hole in a ship? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sos

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

'as sent when there's a bit' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'hole in a ship?' is the wordplay.
'hole' becomes 'O' (O looks like a hole).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'a ship?' becomes 'SS' (prefix in ship names eg SS Great Britain).
'o' inserted within 'ss' is 'SOS'.

'of a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sos that I've seen before include "Mayday call" , "Appeal for help" , "Help initially, Mr Morse" , "urgent appeal" , "Distress call" .)

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