For free gin, turning to handy index? (10)

I believe the answer is:

forefinger

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'handy index?' is the definition.
'forefinger' can be an answer for 'index?' ('forefinger' can be a synonym of 'index'). I'm not sure about the 'handy' bit.

'for free gin turning' is the wordplay.
'turning' indicates anagramming the letters.
'free'+'gin'='freegin'
'freegin' anagrammed gives 'efinger'.
'for'+'efinger'='FOREFINGER'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for forefinger that I've seen before include "Digit next to the thumb" , "index" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.

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