Crossword Genius

Deserve to be in the clear, naturally (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earn

'deserve' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in the clear naturally' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'EARN' is hidden in the letters of 'clear naturally'.

'to be' is the link.

(Other definitions for earn that I've seen before include "Deserve; get paid" , "make bread?" , "Acquire by ones' effort" , "Merit through work or effort" , "Deserve - merit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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