Crossword Genius

Ask earnestly for fairy stories? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

implore

'ask earnestly' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fairy stories?' is the wordplay.
'fairy' becomes 'imp' (imp is a kind of fairy).
'stories?' becomes 'lore' (lore can mean a body of traditions or learning).
'imp'+'lore'='IMPLORE'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for implore that I've seen before include "Beg earnestly, plead" , "Beg desperately" , "Beg earnestly, entreat" , "Beg earnestly, beseech" , "More lip (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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