Benefit to a smaller extent in Crosby? (8)
I believe the answer is:
blessing
'benefit' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a smaller extent in crosby?' is the wordplay.
'a smaller extent' becomes 'less' (I've seen this in other clues).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'crosby?' becomes 'bing' (singer Bing Crosby).
'less' inserted within 'bing' is 'BLESSING'.
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for blessing that I've seen before include "Beneficial thing for which one is grateful" , "Grace said before a meal" , "Approval" , "Godsend" , "Glibness in benediction" .)