Ask earnestly for piano wire (5)

I believe the answer is:

plead

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'ask earnestly' is the definition.
'plead' can be an answer for 'ask' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'earnestly' bit.

'piano wire' is the wordplay.
'piano' becomes 'p' (musical abbreviation).
'wire' becomes 'lead' (lead is a kind of wire).
'p'+'lead'='PLEAD'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plead that I've seen before include "Appeal earnestly" , "Request" , "advocate in court" , "Say one is guilty or not guilty" , "Beg or petition" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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