Crossword Genius

Blockhead is joining Eliot, perhaps, in seconds (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assists

'seconds' is the definition.

'blockhead is joining eliot perhaps' is the wordplay.
'blockhead' becomes 'ass' (I've seen this before).
'joining' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'eliot perhaps' becomes 'ts' (TS Eliot).
'ass'+'is'+'ts'='ASSISTS'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for assists that I've seen before include "Provides" , "Lends a hand" , "Contributes to success" , "Aids" , "Helps or waits on" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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