Crossword Genius

... assurance to win tight set (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earnest

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

'assurance' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to property as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'win tight set' is the wordplay.
'win' becomes 'earn' (I've seen this before).
'tight' indicates anagramming the letters (tight can mean drunk).
'set' is an anagram of 'est'.
'earn'+'est'='EARNEST'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earnest that I've seen before include "Sincere in intention" , "Sincere, solemn" , "Sincere; determined" , "Eager, sincere" , "Fervent - down payment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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