Crossword Genius

Beg for space to put handle (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

entreat

'beg' is the definition.
(to entreat someone is to beg or plead)

'space to put handle' is the wordplay.
'space' becomes 'en' (in printing, a space as wide as a letter 'n').
'to put' says to put letters next to each other.
'handle' becomes 'treat' (synonyms).
'en'+'treat'='ENTREAT'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for entreat that I've seen before include "Beg earnestly, implore" , "Beg earnestly, plead with" , "Ask (someone) earnestly" , "Ask (someone) anxiously" , "Beg earnestly, appeal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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