Crossword Genius

Girl using stake to secure mesh? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

annette

'girl' is the definition.

'stake to secure mesh?' is the wordplay.
'stake' becomes 'ante' (stake in poker).
'to secure' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are secured inside).
'mesh?' becomes 'net' ('net' can be a synonym of 'mesh').
'ante' placed around 'net' is 'ANNETTE'.

'using' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for annette that I've seen before include "girl" , "Girl's name" , "- - Crosbie, actress" , "- - Crosbie (TV)" , "Female" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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