Crossword Genius

Gets help when denied (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gainsaid

'denied' is the definition.
(to gainsay is to deny or dispute something)

'gets help' is the wordplay.
'gets' becomes 'gains' (gaining is a kind of getting).
'help' becomes 'aid' (synonyms).
'gains'+'aid'='GAINSAID'

'when' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for gainsaid that I've seen before include "Challenged" , "Formally denied or contradicted" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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