Crossword Genius

Fellow stops by, promises to recompense base (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nefarious

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

'recompense base' is the definition.
'nefarious' can be an answer for 'base' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'recompense' bit.

'fellow stops by promises' is the wordplay.
'fellow' becomes 'F' (abbreviation - of a society etc.).
'stops' indicates putting letters inside (stopping can mean blocking a gap).
'by' becomes 'near' (I've seen this in another clue).
'promises' becomes 'IOUs' (promises to pay a debt).
'f' going into 'near' is 'nefar'.
'nefar'+'ious'='NEFARIOUS'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nefarious that I've seen before include "Extremely wicked" , "Wicked, criminal" , "Villainous" , "Very bad" , "immoral?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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