Crossword Genius

Believe sailor is to get assessment for a loan (6,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

credit rating

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

'to get assessment for a loan' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'believe sailor' is the wordplay.
'believe' becomes 'credit' (I've seen this in another clue).
'sailor' becomes 'rating' (British term for a naval enlisted man).
'credit'+'rating'='CREDIT RATING'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for credit rating that I've seen before include "Trust able seaman" , "Estimate of person's financial trustworthiness" , "justification for advance" , "loan may depend on it" , "lender's assessment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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