Ask earnestly for a quiet hint (5)

I believe the answer is:

plead

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

'ask earnestly' is the definition.
'plead' can be an answer for 'ask' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'earnestly' bit.

'quiet hint' is the wordplay.
'quiet' becomes 'p' (music symbol for 'piano', ie soft or quiet).
'hint' becomes 'lead' (synonyms).
'p'+'lead'='PLEAD'

'for a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plead that I've seen before include "Argue (a position in court)" , "Request" , "Make an emotional appeal" , "Respond to charge" , "Beg, implore" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app