Crossword Genius

Climbing mountains, call to spare no expense (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

splash out

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

'spare no expense' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'climbing mountains call' is the wordplay.
'climbing' says the letters should be written in reverse (in a down clue, letters climb up).
'mountains' becomes 'alps' (European mountain range).
'call' becomes 'shout' (synonyms).
'alps' written backwards gives 'spla'.
'spla'+'shout'='SPLASH OUT'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for splash out that I've seen before include "Spend money freely" , "extravagant" , "Spend a lot of money" , "Blow brass" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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