Crossword Genius

Bung kid stuck in empty bottle (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bribe

'bung' is the definition.
(bung can mean a bribe)

'kid stuck in empty bottle' is the wordplay.
'kid' becomes 'rib' (both can mean to tease or mock).
'stuck in' is an insertion indicator.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'bottle' with its middle removed is 'be'.
'rib' going inside 'be' is 'BRIBE'.

(Other definitions for bribe that I've seen before include "Oil the palm (of)" , "Illegal incentive" , "Sweetener, inducement" , "Sop" , "Kickback" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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